Pulmonary Embolism

Question 1

What is a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 1

An obstruction of the pulmonary vessels

Question 2

PE presents as one of _ types

Answer 2

4

Question 3

Signs of PE:

Answer 3

RR 20+
HR 100+
SpO2 <92%
Signs of DVT
History

Question 4

Symptoms of PE:

Answer 4

Dyspnsoea
Pleuritic CP
Substernal CP
Apprehension
Cough
Haemoptysis
Syncope

Question 5

Predisposing factors:

Answer 5

Recent surgeries
Obstetrics
Recent MI
Limb problems - secondary to stroke or SCI, lower limb fracture, varicose veins.
Malignancy
Age+ (60+)
Previous proven PE / DVT (3x more likely to experience a recurrence)
Immobility
Thrombotic disorder
Neurological disease with extremity paresis
Thombophilia
HRT and oral contraception
3 days + prolonged bed rest
Recent trauma
Long duration travel
Obesity

Question 6

Differential diagnoses:

Answer 6

Pleurisy
Pneumothorax
Cardiac chest pain

Question 7

Lower limb assessment for PE/DVT:

Answer 7

Unilateral swelling
Warm
Change of colour - darker, purple, red
Calf tenderness