Pulmonary Embolism Flashcards
What is the most important way to prevent a Pulmonary Embolism?
Smoking Cessation
What is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A serious medical condition where a Blood Clot forms in one of the Lung’s Blood Vessels
What makes a Pulmonary Embolism so deadly?
The Blockage can restrict Bloodflow to the Lungs, causing Lung Damage and decreased Tissue Perfusion
Aside from Smoking Cessation, what else lowers the risk of a Pulmonary Embolism?
Exercise, Compression Stockings, and Ankle Exercises.
Avoid sitting for long periods.
What meds can increase the risk of Pulmonary Embolism?
Avoid Birth Control / Oral Contraceptives if possible.
What are some causes of Pulmonary Embolism outside of Contraceptives, Immobility, and Smoking?
Pregnancy + Hypercoagubility + Post-Operative Pt’s + Elderly
What are the symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?
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.
What’s the Gold Standard for diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism?
CT Scan of Chest
Aside from a CT Scan, what are some other ways of diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism?
Chest X-Ray or D-Dimer
What is a D-Dimer Test?
It’s a kind’ve lab Blood Test
Why might a D-Dimer Test be done?
Diagnosis DVT, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
What is the normal range for a D-Dimer Test?
<0.50 or <500 ng/mL
What does a normal D-Dimer Test indicate?
There is no Serious Bloodclots
What does an Elevated D-Dimer Test Result indicate?
There is an Active Bloodclot
What should be done for a pt with a Pulmonary Edema?
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.
Does cardiac status need to be assessed if they have a Pulmonary Embolism?
Ye
An ICS may be used for a pt with a Pulmonary Embolism.
True or false?
False, an ICS won’t help
How are Anticoagulants and Thrombolytics used to treat a Pulmonary Embolism?
Anticoagulants are used to PREVENT a Pulmonary Embolism
Thrombolytics are used to TREAT a Pulmonary Embolism
What is tPA?
It’s an enzyme used to dissolve Blood Clots, it’s very High Risk but also High Reward if successful
Meds should always be enough to treat a Pulmonary Embolism.
True or false?
False, the Embolism may need to be surgically removed
What is the Surgical Removal of an Embolism called?
Embolectomy
If a pt is taking Warfarin, what do they need to make sure that they avoid?
Vitamin K (This is the antidote to Warfarin)
Dehydration (Makes the blood thicker and makes Warfarin less effective)
What labs are used to tell you about Blood Volume?
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
If taking Heparin, what needs to be avoided?
Protamine Sulfate (Antidote for Heparin)
Dehydration
What class is Heparin and Warfarin?
Anticoagulant
