PULMONARY EMBOLUS

Question 1

What is a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 1

Lodging of an embolus in the pulmonary arterial tree with subsequent increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, impaired V/Q matching, and possibly reduced pulmonary blood flow.

Question 2

Epidemiology

Answer 2

One of the most common causes of preventable deaths in hospital.

Question 3

what 3 factors predispose to getting a PE?

Answer 3

Patients who fit Virchow’s triad: endothelial damage, VENOUS stasis and hypercoagulable states. Risk also increases with age.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of a PE?

Answer 4

 Pleuritic chest pain (pleurisy)
 Sudden SOB
 Haemoptysis
 Dizziness/ syncope

Question 5

What are the signs of a PE?

Answer 5

Cyanosis
Fever
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia 
Raised JVP
Pleural effusion
Hypotension