Pulmonary Embolism: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is pulmonary embolism (PE)?

A serious condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one or more arteries.

What is the most common source of blood clots that cause PE?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from the deep veins of the legs.

Name a major risk factor for developing pulmonary embolism.

Prolonged immobility, such as during long flights or bed rest.

What are two other risk factors for PE?

Cancer and pregnancy/childbirth.

risk factor

Central venous cath (only diff w/ DVT)

surgery (w/in 3mos)

infection (covid)

Diagnostics

Low Paco2

High Troponin

High BNP

High D-Dimer

What symptom of PE may worsen with deep breaths?

Chest pain.

What is a common symptom of pulmonary embolism?

Sudden shortness of breath.

What test is the gold standard for diagnosing PE?

CT pulmonary angiography.

What type of medication is commonly used to treat PE?

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Heparin and warfarin.

Check labs before & after (PT/INR)

What is a thrombolytic?

A clot-busting drug used in severe cases of PE.

What is an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter used for?

To prevent clots from reaching the lungs in patients who cannot take blood thinners.

What is one preventive measure to reduce the risk of PE?

Staying active and avoiding long periods of immobility.

What is a symptom of PE that involves the respiratory system?

Cough, sometimes with bloody sputum.

What test detects clotting activity in the blood?

D-dimer test.

S/S PE

SOB/ Dyspnea

chest pain

impending doom

restlessness

cough

crackles

s3 &4 sounds

Petechia

Interventions

Semi fowler

O2

What lifestyle change can help prevent PE?

Staying hydrated.

Massive PE

Severe hypotension-Bradycardia

Submassive PE

-Normotensive

-ST elevation or depression T wave inversion

Nonmassive PE

normotensive

-no elevation in BP or troponin