VTE and PE Flashcards
What is superficial venous thrombosis?
In superficial veins in legs/arms. Causes tenderness ,redness, warmth, pain, inflammation, and palpable cord. Potential VTE if it spreads to a deep vein
What is VTE?
In deep veins of arm, legs, pelvis, or pulmonary system. Causes tenderness to pressure over the vein, vein distension, edema, mild pain, and deep brown colour. Can lead to PE
3 aspects of virchows triad and who’s at risk for each aspect?
VT- factors that can cause VTE
1. Venous stasis- dysfunctional valances, change in blood flow so blood doesn’t move, at risk- obese, pregnant, HF, long trips, immobilization
2. Endothelial damage- direct/indirect damage to endothelial lining, at risk- trauma, burns, chemotherapy, diabetes, sepsis
3. Blood hypercoagulabity- clotting mechanisms lead to increase coagulation/increase in fibrin production, at risk- sepsis, clotting disorders
Why can smoking increase risk of VTE?
It causes vasoconstriction which leads to increased plasminogen which activates coagulation pathway nad increases vascular inflammation.
Symptoms of VTE?
Pain/tenderness with palpation, fever, dull aching pain/fullness in limb/feels like pulled muscle, unilateral leg pain, redness, edema, warmth, asymmetry in legs.
Symptoms of venous insuffiencey?
Blood will get stuck and it doesn’t flow back up to the heart. Causes pain, swelling, tingling, varicose veins, and heavy feeling in veins
Diagnostics for VTE?
CT scan is most common. D-dimer to collect blood to measure fibrin/clotting.
Who is at risk for VTE?
Active cancer, obesity, cardiac and respiratory failure, acute MI/stroke, acute infection, decreased mobility, previous VTE, recent trauma or surgery, older adults.
How to manage VTE?
Early mobilization to prevent stasis, leg exercises, anti embolic stocking, fluids (to prevent hyper-coagulation).
What is PE?
Thrombus or embolus that blocks pulmonary circulation and obstructs perfusion to alveoli. A clot can break off from a DVT and travel
S+S of PE?
Dyspnea, tachycardia, anxiety, cough, pleuritic chest pain (pain upon inspiration), wheezing, unilateral leg pain/swelling, crackles, fever, hypoxemia, hemoptsis (bloody sputum).
How to treat PE?
Check ABCs, anticoagulant therapy, prevent by mobilization, supportive oxygen, deep breathing, pain control, thrombolytics, filter insertion
How to prevent PE?
Mobility post op, avoid restrictive clothing, no crossing legs, hydration, smoking cessation, no birth control pills
How to put on anti embolic stocking?
Put on in bed in the morning, don’t dangle the legs before
Should patients deep breathe and cough for PE?
No
