Pulmonary Embolism

Question 1

Define pulmonary embolism

Answer 1

Obstruction of the pulmonary blood flow, due to a blood clot

Question 2

70% of pulmonary embolisms arise from ____

Answer 2

DVTs of the legs

Question 3

What is Virchow’s Triad?

Answer 3

Risk factors for PE:

1. Intimal damage
2. Stasis
3. Hypergoagulability

Question 4

What length of time defines stasis?

Answer 4

4 hours

Question 5

What Deficiencies can cause hypercoagulability?

Answer 5

-Protein C or Protein S
-Antithrombin III

Question 6

What mutation can cause hypercoagulability?

Answer 6

Factor V Leiden mutation

Question 7

What are 4 common causes of hypercoagulability?

Answer 7

1. OCP use
2. Malignancy
3. Pregnancy
4. Smoking

Question 8

What are three causes of intimal damage?

Answer 8

1. Trauma
2. Infection
3. Inflammation

Question 9

What is the triad of PE presentation

Answer 9

(Sudden onset)
1. Dyspnea
2. Pleuritic CP
3. Hemoptysis

Question 10

What is the most common sx of PE?

Answer 10

Dyspnea

Question 11

What is an additional sign of PE?

Answer 11

Cough

Question 12

PE can be accompanied by a low-grade ____

Answer 12

fever

Question 13

In PE, the lung exam is usually ______

Answer 13

normal

Question 14

A massive PE may present with (3 things)

Answer 14

1. Syncope
2. Hypotension
3. Pulseless electical activity

Question 15

What is the CXR finding highly suspicious for PE?

Answer 15

Normal CXR with hypoxia

Question 16

What is the most common abnormal CXR finding for PE (still most commonly normal)