Which of the following is a common symptom of a pulmonary embolism?

Chest pain is a common symptom of a pulmonary embolism due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to ischemia of the lung tissue. This obstruction creates a sudden onset of pain, often described as sharp or stabbing, and it may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or exertion. The chest pain experienced in pulmonary embolism can mimic that of a heart attack, which is why it warrants immediate medical evaluation.

In contrast, fever, diarrhea, and joint pain are not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. Fever might suggest an infection or another inflammatory process but is not a classic symptom of an embolism. Diarrhea can arise from various gastrointestinal issues and does not relate to the cardiovascular or respiratory systems involved in pulmonary embolism. Joint pain, while it can occur with various conditions such as arthritis or injury, does not correspond with the signs of a pulmonary embolism, which predominantly affect the respiratory system and overall circulation. Thus, while other symptoms may accompany the condition, chest pain is clearly the hallmark symptom indicating the presence of a pulmonary embolism.