PE Flashcards
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots.
True or False: Pulmonary embolism is primarily caused by fat or air entering the bloodstream.
False
Name one common risk factor for developing a pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
What is the most common symptom of pulmonary embolism?
Shortness of breath
Fill in the blank: Pulmonary embolism can lead to _____ failure.
heart
Which imaging test is commonly used to diagnose pulmonary embolism?
CT pulmonary angiography
True or False: All cases of pulmonary embolism are fatal.
False
What is the primary treatment for pulmonary embolism?
Anticoagulation therapy
What does the acronym PE stand for in medical terminology?
Pulmonary embolism
Name a preventive measure for pulmonary embolism.
Use of compression stockings
What is the role of thrombolytics in treating pulmonary embolism?
To dissolve blood clots
Short answer: What are the signs of a severe pulmonary embolism?
Chest pain, rapid heart rate, and fainting
True or False: Surgery is never an option for treating pulmonary embolism.
False
What is the significance of the Wells score?
It helps assess the probability of pulmonary embolism.
Fill in the blank: Pulmonary embolism is often a complication of _____ disease.
venous
What is the purpose of an inferior vena cava filter?
To prevent clots from reaching the lungs.
True or False: Pulmonary embolism can occur without any prior symptoms.
True
What is the typical duration of anticoagulation therapy for a first episode of pulmonary embolism?
3 to 6 months
Name a common anticoagulant used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism.
Warfarin
What is a potential complication of untreated pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary hypertension
Fill in the blank: A pulmonary embolism can be diagnosed using a _____ scan.
ventilation-perfusion (V/Q)
Short answer: What lifestyle change can reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism?
Regular exercise
What type of blood clot is most often responsible for pulmonary embolism?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) clots
True or False: Smoking is a risk factor for developing pulmonary embolism.
True
What is the primary goal of treating pulmonary embolism?
To prevent further clot formation and reduce mortality.
Name one symptom of a massive pulmonary embolism.
Sudden collapse or syncope
What does the term ‘embolus’ refer to?
A clot or other substance that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel.
Fill in the blank: Patients with _____ can have a higher risk of pulmonary embolism.
cancer
True or False: Bed rest is recommended for all patients with pulmonary embolism.
False
What is the function of pulmonary arteries?
To carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
What is one potential side effect of anticoagulant therapy?
Increased risk of bleeding
Short answer: What is the purpose of a D-dimer test in suspected pulmonary embolism?
To rule out the presence of clotting.
Fill in the blank: The _____ classification is used to assess the severity of pulmonary embolism.
PESI (Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index)
What is the role of patient education in the management of pulmonary embolism?
To inform patients about risk factors and prevention strategies.
True or False: Pulmonary embolism can only occur in hospitalized patients.
False
What is the impact of obesity on pulmonary embolism risk?
Obesity increases the risk of developing blood clots.
What is the importance of early diagnosis in pulmonary embolism?
It significantly improves outcomes and reduces mortality.
Name a condition that can mimic symptoms of pulmonary embolism.
Pneumonia
Fill in the blank: The most common source of pulmonary embolism is a clot from the _____ veins.
deep leg
