PE, DVT, DIC, and Anticoagulation Review

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and anticoagulation therapies.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

A condition where pulmonary arterial blood flow is interrupted by a thrombus or another embolus.

Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch

The main physiologic problem in pulmonary embolism (PE).

Typical PE findings

Sudden dyspnea/hypoxia, chest pain, tachycardia, and cough.

Severe PE manifestations

Arrhythmia, syncope, shock, and hemodynamic collapse.

Virchow triad

Venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.

PE/DVT risk factors

Immobility, surgery/trauma, prior DVT/PE, malignancy, pregnancy/postpartum, and estrogen.

PE diagnostic studies

ABG, troponin, D-dimer, ECG, ultrasound, CXR, V/Q imaging, and diagnostic imaging.

PE immediate nursing priorities

ABCs, support oxygenation, recognize instability, escalate, give ordered therapy, and reassess.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent clot extension and formation of new clots by inhibiting clotting pathways.

Alteplase

A thrombolytic agent that breaks down a clot.

Major anticoagulant/thrombolytic safety concern

Bleeding.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

A condition in which accelerated intravascular clotting consumes platelets and factors, causing clotting AND bleeding.

Cause of DIC organ failure

Microvascular clots obstructing tissue perfusion.

Cause of DIC bleeding

Consumption of platelets and clotting factors by excessive clotting.

DIC lab panel findings

Increased PT/PTT, increased D-dimer, decreased fibrinogen, and decreased platelet count.

DIC treatment principle

Treat the underlying cause and support coagulation/perfusion as ordered.

DIC therapies

FFP, whole blood, selected anticoagulation, and IV volume support.

Heparin major review focus

Indication, bleeding precautions, and relevant ordered monitoring.

Warfarin major review focus

INR monitoring, interactions, bleeding precautions, and long-term teaching.

Dabigatran major review focus

Indication, bleeding precautions, adherence, and patient teaching.

Antiplatelet vs Anticoagulant

Antiplatelets reduce platelet aggregation; anticoagulants inhibit clotting pathways.