Pulmonary Embolism Flashcards
1
Q
What is PE?
A
blockage of part of the pulmonary arterial tree as a result of embolism of thrombus
2
Q
What is the valsalva manoeuvre? (trigger of PE)
A
trying to breathe out through a closed upper airway e.g. during defecation
3
Q
Symptoms
A
Sudden onset dyspnoea tachypnoea chest pain worsened by breathing cough hemoptysis (coughing up blood) sudden death
4
Q
Signs
A
Cyanosis collapse circulatory instability pleural friction rub pleural effusion strain on right ventricle raised JVP
5
Q
Abnormal test results
A
Low oxygen sats
Hypoxaemia on blood gas
lung scan showing lack of blood flow to part of lung
CT showing blood clot in pulmonary artery
6
Q
Treatment
A
High flow oxygen
Thrombolytic drugs IV
7
Q
Secondary prevention
A
Anticoagulants for some months - LMWH and warfarin
