Pulmonary embolism Flashcards
1
Q
define a PE
A
blood clot/ artery blockage in the lungs
2
Q
what do PEs usually arise from?
A
DVTs in proximal leg or iliac veins
3
Q
risk factors for a PE
A
- female
- pregnancy
- surgery
- malignancy
- oestrogen
- previous DVT
- immobility
- antiphospholipid antibiotics
- SLE
4
Q
symptoms of a PE
A
- dyspnoea
- pleuritic chest pain
- haemoptysis
- syncope
- fever
- cyanosis
- tachycardia
- tachypnoea
5
Q
investigations for PE
A
- bloods
- ABG
- ECG
- Doppler US
- CT pulmonary angiogram
6
Q
specific blood investigations
A
FBC
U&Es
clotting
D-dimers
7
Q
what may an ABG show in a PE
A
normal or hypoxic and low PaCO2
8
Q
what may an ECG show in a PE
A
- right bundle branch block
- sinus tachycardia
9
Q
gold standard diagnostic test for PE
A
CT pulmonary angiogram
10
Q
which criteria is used for the probability of a PE?
A
Wells score
11
Q
if wells score shows a low probability of a PE?
A
do d dimers
12
Q
if wells score shows a high probability of a PE
A
CT pulmonary angiogram
13
Q
prophylactic management of a PE
A
- TEDS (compression stockings)
- LMWHs
14
Q
when should thrombolysis be consider in PE?
A
critically ill and massive PE
15
Q
management of all PEs
A
start on warfarin
