chapter 29: care of pt. with respiratory emergencies Flashcards
pulmonary embolism (PE)
- collection of particulate matter that enetrs venous circulation and lodges in pulmonary vessels
- embolism is a blood clot (thrombus) or other object
what causes an embolism?
- any substance but blood clot is most common
infarction
tissue death or necorsis
risk factor for pe
- prolonged immoblization
- central venous catheters
- surgery
- obesity
- advancing age
- GENETIC conditions that increase blood clotting
- history of thromboembolism
- SMOKING
- ESTROGEN THERAPY
- heart failure
- stroke
- cancer
lifestyle changes with pe
- smoking cessation
- reducing weight
- physically active
- herarin or indirect thrombin inhibitor
- IVC filter
if traveling with a pe
- drink plently of water
- change positions often
- avoid crossing legs
- get up from sitting for 5 mins each hour
s/s of pe
- onset of dyspnea
- sharp stabbing chest pain
- restlessness
- impending doom
- cough
- hemoptysis- coughing up blood
- diaphoresis
- increased rr
- crackles
s/s of pe (heart&lungs)
- pleural friction rub
- tachycardia
- s3 or s4 heart sound
- petechiae over chest
- arterial oxygen stat
lab assessment for pe
- low PaCO2 on ABG
- general metabolic panel, TROPONIN, brain natriuretic peptide, D-DIMER
imaging assessment
- CT-PA or helical CT
PE analysis & prioritze
- hypoxemia due to mismatch of lung perfusion and alveolar gas exchange with oxygenation
- hypotension due to inadequate circulation to the left ventricle
- potential for excessive bleeding due to anticoagulation or fibrinolytic therapy causing inadequate clotting
- anxiety due to hypoxemia and life-threatening illness
managing hypoxemia in pe
- sudden onset of dyspnea: activate rapid response team
- apply oxygen, elevate the HOB and reassure the pt
- oxygen therapy
- monitor pt
- admin anticoagulation or fibronolytic therapy
ptt time
1.3-2.5
warfarin diet
no green leafy vegies
cranberries juice
alc
tpa
breaks down existing clots
managing hypotension in pe
- iv therapy (crystalloid substance) to restore plasma volume and prevent shock
- drug therapy with vasopressors (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine) used if iv therapy doesn’t work
controlling bleeding in pe
- assess for s/s of bleeding
- ensure correct dosage and timing of medication
- monitor, lab values (INR)
minimizing anxiety in pe
- proper communication
- antianxiety meds
- pain meds
home care management with pe
- need assistance with adls
- home care services
- may have diminished lung sounds
self management education w pe
- may need continues anticoagulation therapy
- teach family and pt. about bleeding precaustions
- activities to reduce risk of VTE and PE
- follow up care
health care resources in pe
- seen in clinic
- home oxygen
- respiratory treatment
- services coordinated by nurse or case manager
pe outcomes
- attains and maintains adequate gas exchnage and oxygenation
- does not experience hypovolemia and shock
- remains free from bleeding ep
- states that the level of anxiety is reduced
- uses effective coping strategies
acute respiratory failure
pa02 <60 hg or paco2 >45 mm hg with ph <7.35 with sa02 <90%
- ventilatory failure
- oxygenation (gas exchange failure)
- combination ventilatory/ oxygenation failure
acute respiratory failure assessment clues
- dyspnea: perceived diffculty breathing
- orthopnea: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing when laying down
- ABGs= hypoxia and hypercarbia
- hypoxic respiratory failure includes restlessness, irritability or agitation, confusion and tachycardia
- hypercapnia failure: includes decreased loc, headache, drowsiness, lethargy, seizures
- effects of acidosis lead to decreased LOC, drowsiness, confusion, hypotension, bradycardia, and weak peripheral pulses
acute respiratory failure oxygen therapy
- should be considered if hypoexmia
- mechanical vent may be needed