CV - types of emboli

Question 1

what is an embolous?

Answer 1

a bolous of matter circulation in the bloodstream

Question 2

what is the difference between a thrombous and an emblous?

Answer 2

a thrombous is stationary while an embolous is circulating

Question 3

what type of emboli is an arterial thromboembolism? where is the usual source? where are common sites of obstruction?

Answer 3

• dislodged
• heart is the usual source
• lower extremities, coronary arteries, cerebral vasculature

Question 4

what type of emboli is a venous emboli? what is the source? what does it obstruct?

Answer 4

• dislodged
• the source is usually the lower extremities
• it obstructs branches of the pulmonary artery

Question 5

what is air embolism? what is the usual source?

Answer 5

• when a bolous of air displaces air in vasculature
• sometimes when air in a room enters an IV
• trauma to the chest

Question 6

what is amniotic fluid embolism?

Answer 6

• a bolous of amniotic fluid

Question 7

what is bacterial embolism? what is usually the source?

Answer 7

• aggregates of bacteria in the bloodstream
• usually the source is endocarditis or abscess

Question 8

what is fat embolism? what is it associated with? what is commonly affected?

Answer 8

• globules of fat floating in the bloodstream
• associated with trauma to the long bones
• lungs are particularly affected