Signs and Symptoms
What is the most common respiratory symptom of a pulmonary embolism?
What is Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Name a major risk factor associated with immobility.
What is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
What blood test may be elevated with PE but is non-specific?
What is D-dimer
This medication prevents clot growth and new clots from forming.
What is Heparin or enoxaparin (anticoagulants)
The position the client should be placed in to ease breathing?
What is Semi-Fowler’s
This chest symptom may feel like a heart attack during a PE.
What is Sharp chest pain (pleuritic pain)
What hormonal birth control increases PE risk?
What is Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives
This imaging test is the gold standard for diagnosing PE.
What is CT pulmonary angiography
What oral medication is often started after initial heparin therapy?
What is Warfarin or DOACs (e.g., apixaban)
What should the nurse do first if PE is suspected?
What is Stay with the client and call for help
True or False: Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) can occur in PE.
True.
This type of surgery is a common cause of postoperative PE.
Whats is Orthopedic surgery (e.g., hip/knee replacement)
What non-imaging test is often done to detect DVT in the legs?
What is Venous Doppler ultrasound
The antidote for heparin?
What is Protamine sulfate
This level should be monitored when a client is on warfarin.
What is INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Name one sign of PE visible on physical assessment.
What is Tachypnea, tachycardia, cyanosis, or low O2 saturation
Name one inherited clotting disorder that raises PE risk.
What is Factor V Leiden mutation
This test measures oxygen levels in the blood.
What is Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Emergency procedure that is used for massive PE with hemodynamic instability?
What is thrombolytic therapy or embolectomy.
What type of compression device helps prevent DVT?
What is Sequential compression device (SCD)
What neurological symptom may a client experience due to hypoxia from PE?
What is Anxiety or restlessness
Long flights and car rides can cause this, which leads to PE.
What is Venous stasis or DVT formation
A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is used when the client has this contraindication.
What is Allergy to contrast dye or renal impairment
A client who cannot receive anticoagulants may need this device.
What is Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter
What should be taught to a client discharged on anticoagulants?
What is Avoid injury, monitor for bleeding, regular labs if needed