Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

NURS 3512 - Class 1-6 > Week 2 - Pulmonary Emboli > Flashcards

Week 2 - Pulmonary Emboli Flashcards

1
Q

what is a pulmonary embolism

A
  • blockage of pulmonary arteries by a thrombus, fat or air embolus, or tumour tissue
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what is a pulmonary embolism commonly caused by

A
  • DVT that travels
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what effect does a pulmonary embolism have

A
  • travels thru blood vessels until it lodges and obstructs perfusion to the alveoli
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what part of the lungs are commonly affected by pulmonary emboli? why?

A
  • lower lobes

- bc of higher blood flow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what are risk factors for pulmonary embolism (10)

A
  • immobility
  • surgery within the last 3 mo
  • stroke
  • paresis
  • paralysis
  • hx of DVT
  • malignancy
  • obesity in women
  • heavy cigarette smoking
  • HTN
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

what is the classic traid of a pulmonary embolism symptoms

A
  • dyspnea
  • chest pain
  • hemoptysis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what are other symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (12)

A
  • hypoxemia
  • low PaCO2
  • cough
  • pleuritis chest pain
  • hemoptysis
  • crackles
  • fever
  • change in mental status (r/t hypoxemia)
  • hypotension
  • pallor
  • severe dyspnea
  • tachy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what are complications for a pulmonary embolus (4)

A
  • pulmonary infarction –> alveolar necrosis –> hemorrhage
  • infection of the necrotic tissue
  • development of an abscess
  • pulmonary HTN
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what diagnostics might be used to diagnose a pulmonary embolus (5)

A
  • spiral CT scan
  • VQ scan
  • D dimer
  • pulmonary angiography
  • ABG analysis (imp. but not diagnostic)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what does a spiral CT scan do

A
  • injection of IV contrast media to see blood vessels
  • scanner continuously rotatoes to get visualization of all anatomical regions of the lungs
  • data is reconstructed to create a 3D picture
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what is a d dimer test

A
  • test that measures the amt of cross-linked fibrin fragments (which are found in the circulation after clotting events)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what does prevention of a pulmonary embolism begin w

A
  • prevention of VTE
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

how can a VTE be prevented (3)

A
  • use of compression devices
  • early ambulation
  • prophylactic use of anticoag meds
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

when is treatment of pulmonary embolism completed?

A
  • as soon as PE is suspected
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what does treatment of PE consist of (3)

A
  • drug therapy
  • surgical therapy
  • supportuve therapy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

what meds can be used to dissolve clots

A
  • alteplase (tPa)
17
Q

what are indications of thombolytic therapy in PE

A
  • hemodynamic instability

- right ventricular dysfunction

18
Q

what meds can be used to prevent further formation of emboli

A
  • heparin

- warfarin

19
Q

when should warfarin be initiated in treatment for PE

A
  • in the first 24 hrs
20
Q

when might surgical therapy for PE be done (2)

A
  • if the degree of pulmonary arterial obstruction is severe

- pt does not respond to conservative therapy

21
Q

what type of surgery might be done as treatment for PE

A
  • embolectomy
22
Q

what acute care can be done for a pt with PE (12)

A
  • bed rest
  • semi-fowler position for breathing
  • IV line for meds & fluids
  • O2 therapy as needed
  • monitor VS
  • cardiac dysrhythmia monitoring
  • ABGs
  • lung sounds
  • lab results –> INR, Ptt
  • assess complications of anticoag therapy
  • assess for complications of PE
  • interventions for immobilit & fall precautions
23
Q

what complications of anticoag therapy should you monitor for (3)

A
  • bruising
  • bleeding
  • hematomas
24
Q

what complications of PE should you monitor for (3)

A
  • hypoxia
  • hypotension
  • neuro changes
25
Q

what is important to discuss during discharge teaching

A
  • teaching regarding anticoag therapy
26
Q

what teaching regarding anti coag therapy should be done (4)

A
  • it will continue for 3-6 mo.
  • if pts have recurrent emboli they will be on indefintiely
  • will come in for reg. bloodwork: INR lvls are done at intervals and warfarin doses will be adjusted
  • adverse effects
27
Q

what is often the first sign of hypoxia

A
  • change in mental status
28
Q

what anticoag med is typically given first for PE? why?

A
  • heparin is given first
  • warfarin takes a couple days to start working, while heparin starts immediately
  • use heparin until warfarin is effective
29
Q

why is important to start an IV line in a pt with a PE

A
  • bc will likely be giving them heparin
30
Q

why is it important for a PT with PE to have fluids

A
  • keep hydrated

- thin secretion

31
Q

why is it important to monitor for cardiac dysrhythamis in a pt with PE

A
  • fluids could cause electrolyte changes
32
Q

when and why is it important to monitor Ptt and INR in a pt with PE

A
  • imp. to see therpeutic lvls of heparin and warfarin

- should check baseline and throughout treatment

NURS 3512 - Class 1-6 (47 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions