Pulmonary Embolism Flashcards
1
Q
PE Presentation
A
Non-specific
History is key
-recent history of travel, long bone fracture, immobility, stroke, malignancy, heart failure, postpartum
History of PE is a risk
2
Q
“Classic” PE Presentation
A
Dyspnea Tachycardia Pleuritic chest pain Neck vein distension Weakness or malaise
3
Q
PE
A
blockage of one or more of the pulmonary arteries or their branches by a thrombus or other embolic material that dislodges and enters the pulmonary circulation
4
Q
PE Diagnostics
A
EKG to rule out cardiac Chest x-ray to rile out other V/Q Scan CT (gold standard) BNP and D-dimer can rule out, but not confirm
5
Q
Virchow Triad
A
Venous stasis
Endothelial or vessel wall injury
Hypercoaguability
These three contribute to the cause of a thrombus
6
Q
Treatment
A
Immediate referral
Initial stabilization - treat hypoxia and hypotension
Anticoagulation with low-molecular weight heparin and start warfarin
