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Questions and Answers
Which of these medications helps break up blood clots, while the others prevent them from getting bigger and forming new ones?
Which of these medications helps break up blood clots, while the others prevent them from getting bigger and forming new ones?
Which of the following is a surgical intervention used to treat PE, and not a medication?
Which of the following is a surgical intervention used to treat PE, and not a medication?
What is the primary goal of nursing care for a patient with PE?
What is the primary goal of nursing care for a patient with PE?
What is the primary aim of educating a patient about PE treatment?
What is the primary aim of educating a patient about PE treatment?
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Which of the following is NOT a common treatment option for Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
Which of the following is NOT a common treatment option for Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
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Which of the following is not a risk factor for developing a pulmonary embolism?
Which of the following is not a risk factor for developing a pulmonary embolism?
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What is the most common underlying cause of a pulmonary embolism?
What is the most common underlying cause of a pulmonary embolism?
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Which of the following symptoms is least likely to indicate a pulmonary embolism?
Which of the following symptoms is least likely to indicate a pulmonary embolism?
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What diagnostic tool is typically used to confirm a pulmonary embolism?
What diagnostic tool is typically used to confirm a pulmonary embolism?
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Which of the following medications are commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism?
Which of the following medications are commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary embolism?
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What is the significance of an elevated D-dimer level in a patient?
What is the significance of an elevated D-dimer level in a patient?
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What is a potential complication of a long bone fracture that can lead to a pulmonary embolism?
What is a potential complication of a long bone fracture that can lead to a pulmonary embolism?
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What is the primary mechanism by which a pulmonary embolism causes respiratory distress?
What is the primary mechanism by which a pulmonary embolism causes respiratory distress?
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Study Notes
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
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Definition: A life-threatening blockage in the pulmonary vasculature, preventing blood flow from the heart to the lungs and back. It occurs when an embolus (blood clot) lodges in a pulmonary artery.
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Cause: Most commonly due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) where a clot in the lower extremities travels upwards. Other causes can include fat emboli, particularly after long bone fractures.
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Risk Factors: Immobility, smoking, oral contraceptives (estrogen and progesterone), obesity, surgery, atrial fibrillation (AFIB), and pregnancy are all risk factors.
Signs and Symptoms
- Common Symptoms: Shortness of breath, anxiety, chest pain (especially upon inhaling), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), rapid breathing (tachypnea), low blood pressure (hypotension), and excessive sweating (diaphoresis).
- Fat Emboli Symptom: Petechiae (red dots on the skin)
Diagnostics
- Essential Test: Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
- Lab Indicator: Elevated D-dimer levels. Elevated D-dimer indicates a likelihood of a clot (either DVT or PE), but does not definitively diagnose either.
Treatment
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Medications: Anticoagulants (like warfarin and heparin) to prevent clots from growing and forming new clots; thrombolytics (like alteplase) to break up existing clots.
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Surgery: Thrombectomy (removal of the clot) or vena cava filter placement (to prevent new emboli).
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Nursing Care: Positioning the patient upright to improve breathing and administering oxygen as prescribed.
Patient Education
- Discharge Care: Continued treatment at home necessitates education on managing ongoing therapy.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Pulmonary Embolism (PE), a serious condition caused by blood clots blocking the pulmonary arteries. This quiz covers definitions, causes, risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostics related to PE. It's a crucial area of study for healthcare professionals.
