2. Pulmonary Embolism is a condition in
which the emboli reach the lungs and
obstruct pulmonary circulation.
The emboli may either blood, air, fat,
tumor cells, amniotic fluid or foreign
objects.
Many people with this condition will die
within 1 hr of onset of symptoms or
before Diagnosis.
3. Causes of DVT and PE:
1. Stasis of blood flow
2. Endothelial injury
3. Hyper coagulability
4. Chest pain while Breathing Activity
S3 or S4 heart sounds
ECG will show-non specific- T or ST segment
abnormalities
Crackles, friction rub, Decrease breath sounds
Dyspnea, Hemoptysis
Low grade fever with sweating
Shock symptoms may be Tachycardia,
hypotension & cold/clammy skin
Feeling of anxiety, impending doom,
restlessness
6. ABG analysis
Prevention of DVT, prophylactic use of
heparin
Thrombolytic agents for massive clots
O2, VS, lung/heart sounds,
Mechanical ventilation
Assess risk for bleeding
7. Stable pts- Heparin for 5-10 days, then
Coumadin started on the third day (from 3-
6 weeks or indefinitely)
Health Teaching