PE

Question 1

PE

Answer 1

Occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature by: thrombus, tissue fragment, fat or air. The impact depends on the pulmonary blood flow obstructed.

Question 2

PE risk factors

Answer 2

Immobility
Recent survey
DVT
Pregnancy
Previous red, swollen, core calf
Advanced age
AF
Blood clot disorder
Smoking
HF
Nephrotic syndrome
Obesity
Sickle cell anaemia

Question 3

PE signs & symptoms

Answer 3

Hypotension
Increased RR with distress
Decreased EtCO2
Pain
Tachycardia
Cyanosis
Altered conscious state

Question 4

Explain Q/V mismatch in PE

Answer 4

Increased alveolar dead space Due to poor perfusion due to occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature, an area of the lung is unable to be ventilated and gas exchange is not able to occur. Pulmonary vasoconstriction to redirect blood flow.

Question 5

PE management

Answer 5

High flow O2
Pain relief
ICP back up
Cardiac arrest management

Question 6

ECG changes in PE

Answer 6

• Tachycardia
• S1Q3T3: Prominent S-wave in Lead I; Q-wave and inverted T-wave in lead III
• RAD