Pulmonary Embolism

Question 1

What are 3 causes of emboli?

Answer 1

Thrombi, fat, or other foreign material (parasites)

Question 2

What is the most common cause of a PE?

Answer 2

Thrombus or blood clot that has formed in the pelvis or legs

Question 3

What are chief symptoms of a PE?

Answer 3

Dyspnea, tachypnea, pleuritic chest pain, and calf/thigh pain and swelling

Question 4

What are 5 risk factors for a PE?

Answer 4

Long bone fracture, recent surgery, travel, period of immobility, stroke

Question 5

What is the most sensitive clinical sign of a PE?

Answer 5

Tachypnea

Question 6

What lab tests should be ordered?

Answer 6

ABGs, troponin, D-dimer, serum dimer

Question 7

What is the gold standard diagnostic test for PE?

Answer 7

CT angiography (has replaced V/Q scan)

Question 8

What diagnostic test is used due to cost/availability?

Answer 8

Spiral CT

Question 9

Non-thrombotic emboli can be caused by

Answer 9

Fat, air, other substances, IV drug users

Question 10

What is the mainstay of management?

Answer 10

Anticoagulation - LMWH

Question 11

What should be avoided?

Answer 11

Contact sports and other activities that result in blunt trauma