PE

Question 1

where?

Answer 1

blockage in pulmonary artery

Question 2

causes

Answer 2

1. usually from thrombosis in pelvis or leg

2. clots break off and pass through veins and right side of heart before lodging in pulmonary circulation

Question 3

rick factors

Answer 3

1. recent surgery
2. decrease mobility
3. leg fracture
4. malignancy
5. pregnancy
6. previous PE

Question 4

Prevention

Answer 4

1. heparin

2. stop HRT and pill pre-op

Question 5

treatment

Answer 5

1. LMWH
2. warfarin
3. stop heparin when INR >2, keep on warfarin for min of 3 months and target INR 2-3
4. thrombolysis for big PE

Question 6

symptoms

Answer 6

1. acute breathlessness
2. pleuritic chest pain
3. haemoptysis
4. dizziness

Question 7

signs

Answer 7

1. pyrexia
2. cyanosis
3. tachypnoea
4. tachycardia
5. hypotension
6. raised JVP
7. pleural rub
8. pleural effusion

Question 8

tests

Answer 8

1. Imaging: CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)

2. FBC: Dimers