PE Risk Factors
What does PE stand for?
Pulmonary embolism
Name one common sign or symptom of a PE
Chest pain or shortness of breath.
What blood test can help identify a possible blood clot?
D-dimer.
What medication helps prevent blood clots from growing and additional clots from forming?
Heparin
What position can help Mr. Thompson breathe more easily?
High Fowler's position.
Name two risk factors for developing a PE
Recent surgery and bed rest. Other answers include smoking, heart failure, history of DVT, age, and obesity
What was Mr. Thompson's oxygen saturation when he developed chest pain?
82%
What imaging test uses contrast to look for clots in the pulmonary arteries?
CT pulmonary angiography.
Name one possible side effect of heparin.
Increased bleeding or unusual bruising.
What device can nurses use to continuously monitor a patient's oxygen saturation?
A pulse oximeter.
Why does being on bed rest increase a patient's risk of developing a PE?
Immobility slows blood flow and increases the risk of blood clots forming
What was Mr. Thompson's respiratory rate, and what did his breathing look like?
34 breaths per minute, with rapid, shallow breathing.
What blood test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood?
ABG
Why might Mr. Thompson receive morphine?
To relieve his severe chest pain, rated 7/10.
Name two signs of bleeding nurses should monitor for when a patient is receiving heparin.
Unusual bruising and bleeding gums. Other answers include blood in the urine or dark stools.
Why is a patient recovering from femur surgery at an increased risk of developing a PE?
Surgery and reduced mobility increase the risk of blood clots forming, which can travel to the lungs.
Why might a patient with a PE experience tachycardia and anxiety?
The heart beats faster to compensate for reduced oxygenation and blood flow. Low oxygen levels can also cause anxiety and restlessness.
Name two imaging tests that may be used when a PE is suspected.
CT pulmonary angiography and a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan.
Why must morphine and lorazepam be administered cautiously to Mr. Thompson?
Both can cause sedation and respiratory depression. Morphine can also lower blood pressure, which is concerning because his oxygen level is already low.
Name three nursing interventions for a patient experiencing a PE.
Administer oxygen as needed, monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation, and administer prescribed anticoagulants.
Mr. Thompson has a femur fracture, recently had surgery, and is reluctant to get out of bed. Explain how these factors increase his risk of a PE.
His fracture and surgery increase the risk of blood clots, while immobility slows blood flow. A clot can travel to the lungs and cause a PE.
Mr. Thompson has chest pain, rapid shallow breathing, and an oxygen saturation of 82%. What condition do these findings suggest, and why is it concerning?
A pulmonary embolism. The blocked blood flow can impair oxygenation, and an oxygen saturation of 82% indicates significant hypoxemia.
Name three diagnostic tests or laboratory tests that may be ordered to help evaluate a patient for a PE.
CT pulmonary angiography, D-dimer, and ABG. Other acceptable answers include spiral CT, chest X-ray, V/Q scan, compression ultrasound, and troponin.
Explain the purpose of heparin, morphine, and lorazepam in Mr. Thompson's treatment.
Heparin helps prevent clots from growing and additional clots from forming. Morphine relieves severe pain. Lorazepam reduces severe anxiety.
Name three warning signs a patient should report immediately after discharge because they could indicate a PE.
Sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, and coughing up blood.