Risk Factors
This lifestyle factor doubles the risk for PE and was present in the case study patient.
What is cigarette smoking?
The most common presenting symptom of pulmonary embolism.
What is dyspnea?
This blood test is often ordered first but is neither specific nor sensitive for PE.
What is D-dimer?
The first oxygen intervention for a patient suspected of PE.
What is 100% non-rebreather mask?
The best intervention to prevent VTE after hysterectomy surgery.
What is ambulate the patient as soon as possible?
A common risk after abdominal or gynecological surgery, especially in older women.
What is DVT leading to PE?
Half of all pulmonary emboli may present this way.
What is silent/asymptomatic?
The gold standard test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
What is pulmonary angiography?
The preferred initial heparin for most patients with DVT.
What is low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)?
Nursing priorities in PE include monitoring this vital process.
What is gas exchange/oxygenation?
Patients on this therapy, like Ima Pain, have an increased risk of clotting.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
A patient with sudden chest pain, tachycardia, and anxiety may be experiencing this condition.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
This imaging study was positive for Ima Pain’s pulmonary embolism.
What is a spiral CT scan?
This device decreases venous stasis, but patients often complain it causes sweating.
What are sequential compression devices (SCDs)?
Priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with PE and dyspnea.
What is ineffective gas exchange?
After abdominal surgery, the incidence of DVT ranges between these percentages.
What is 16–30%?
Massive PE may cause acute right-sided heart failure, also known as this.
What is cor pulmonale?
Venous dopplers found Ima Pain’s clot in this location.
What is the popliteal region?
This filter may be placed if patients cannot take anticoagulants.
What is an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter?
A patient post-TURP develops chest pain. The nurse’s first action is:
What is perform a thorough chest pain assessment and vital signs?
This urological surgery carries about a 40% risk of DVT.
What is transvesical prostatectomy (TURP)?
Up to this percentage of patients with massive PE die within 1–2 hours of onset.
What is 30–60%?
This scan compares ventilation to perfusion in the lungs.
What is a V/Q scan?
Name two examples of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) used for long-term therapy.
What are apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), edoxaban (Savaysa), or dabigatran (Pradaxa)?
Massive PE may progress to this condition if not treated immediately.
What is cardiovascular collapse/shock?