Pulmonary Embolism

Question 1

What is the most important way to prevent a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 1

Smoking Cessation

Question 2

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 2

A serious medical condition where a Blood Clot forms in one of the Lung’s Blood Vessels

Question 3

What makes a Pulmonary Embolism so deadly?

Answer 3

The Blockage can restrict Bloodflow to the Lungs, causing Lung Damage and decreased Tissue Perfusion

Question 4

Aside from Smoking Cessation, what else lowers the risk of a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 4

Exercise, Compression Stockings, and Ankle Exercises.

Avoid sitting for long periods.

Question 5

What meds can increase the risk of Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 5

Avoid Birth Control / Oral Contraceptives if possible.

Question 6

What are some causes of Pulmonary Embolism outside of Contraceptives, Immobility, and Smoking?

Answer 6

Pregnancy + Hypercoagubility + Post-Operative Pt’s + Elderly

Question 7

What are the symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 7

Feeling of Impending Doom (Anxiety) + Sudden Onset of Chest Pressure / Heavy Chest.

Productive Cough with Blood-Tinged Pink Sputum OR Dry Cough.

Tachycardia + Pleural Friction Rub + Crackles + Low Grade Fever + Cyanosis.

If something is in the lungs, there will be a Fever.

Question 8

What’s the Gold Standard for diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 8

CT Scan of Chest

Question 9

Aside from a CT Scan, what are some other ways of diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 9

Chest X-Ray or D-Dimer

Question 10

What is a D-Dimer Test?

Answer 10

It’s a kind’ve lab Blood Test

Question 11

Why might a D-Dimer Test be done?

Answer 11

Diagnosis DVT, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Question 12

What is the normal range for a D-Dimer Test?

Answer 12

<0.50 or <500 ng/mL

Question 13

What does a normal D-Dimer Test indicate?

Answer 13

There is no Serious Bloodclots

Question 14

What does an Elevated D-Dimer Test Result indicate?

Answer 14

There is an Active Bloodclot

Question 15

What should be done for a pt with a Pulmonary Edema?

Answer 15

Give Oxygen & put them in High Fowler’s ASAP.

Ensure that they have an IV Inserted (They’ll need lot’s of meds soon).

Assess pt every 30 min.

Question 16

Does cardiac status need to be assessed if they have a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 16

Ye

Question 17

An ICS may be used for a pt with a Pulmonary Embolism.
True or false?

Answer 17

False, an ICS won’t help

Question 18

How are Anticoagulants and Thrombolytics used to treat a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 18

Anticoagulants are used to PREVENT a Pulmonary Embolism

Thrombolytics are used to TREAT a Pulmonary Embolism

Question 19

What is tPA?

Answer 19

It’s an enzyme used to dissolve Blood Clots, it’s very High Risk but also High Reward if successful

Question 20

Meds should always be enough to treat a Pulmonary Embolism.
True or false?

Answer 20

False, the Embolism may need to be surgically removed

Question 21

What is the Surgical Removal of an Embolism called?

Answer 21

Embolectomy

Question 22

If a pt is taking Warfarin, what do they need to make sure that they avoid?

Answer 22

Vitamin K (This is the antidote to Warfarin)

Dehydration (Makes the blood thicker and makes Warfarin less effective)

Question 23

What labs are used to tell you about Blood Volume?

Answer 23

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

Question 24

If taking Heparin, what needs to be avoided?

Answer 24

Protamine Sulfate (Antidote for Heparin)

Dehydration

Question 25

What class is Heparin and Warfarin?

Answer 25

Anticoagulant