Pulmonary Embolism Flashcards
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A condition that causes a sudden blockage of an artery in the lung by a venous clot
How do clots develop in pulmonary embolism?
Clots develop in the veins of the legs or pelvis, then break off and embolize through the heart to a pulmonary artery
What are the common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?
Shortness of breath and chest pain
What can pulmonary embolism be confused with?
Cardiac, lung, or musculoskeletal conditions
What are the top risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
- Recent hospitalization for medical illness or surgery
- Sedentary behavior
- Trauma
- Cancer
- History of blood clots
- Heart failure
- Presence of a pacemaker or central venous catheter
- Paralyzed extremities
- Obesity
- Use of birth control pills
- Smoking
- Infection with COVID-19
What is the typical presentation of a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Tachycardia, sudden onset of dyspnea, shoulder, back, or chest pain, cough, syncope, anxiety, apprehension, low-grade fever, or hemoptysis
What are some signs to look for in the leg of a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Leg pain, redness, and swelling in just one ankle and foot
What is a worst-case scenario for a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
The patient may go into cardiac arrest
What should treatment focus on for a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Airway, ventilatory, and circulatory support
What should be done with blood coughed up by a patient?
Any blood should be cleared from the airway
Why is supplemental oxygen mandatory in a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
A considerable amount of lung tissue may not be able to off-load oxygen to the blood
What is the recommended position for a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Place the patient in a comfortable position and apply high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask
What may be necessary if a large pulmonary embolus significantly impairs breathing?
Ventilatory support
What device should be used for ventilating a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
Bag-mask device with an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway
What should be done when a patient is in respiratory and/or cardiac arrest?
Treat according to current emergency cardiovascular care guidelines and local protocol
True or False: Hemoptysis in pulmonary embolism is usually severe.
False
