1. Care of Patients With Pulmonary Embolism
Chapter 34
Care of Patients With Pulmonary Embolism
What unit is this patient admitted to?

2. Pulmonary Embolism
Collection of particulate matter—solids, liquids, air—that enters venous circulation and lodges in pulmonary vessels
Usually occurs when blood clot from a VTE in leg or pelvic vein breaks off; travels through vena cava into right side of heart
Refer to Chapter 34 and key points

3. Pulmonary Embolus
Pulmonary embolism with infarction.

4. Risk Factors Prolonged immobilization Central venous catheters Surgery
Obesity
Advancing age
Conditions that increase blood clotting
History of thromboembolism
Risk- refer to DVT risk- what are some of them?

5. Health Promotion & Illness Prevention
Smoking cessation
Weight reduction
Increased physical activity
If traveling or sitting for long periods, get up frequently and drink plenty of fluids
Refrain from massaging/compressing leg muscles
What do modifiable risks reversal help with physiologically regarding smoking, weight, physical activity?

6. Clinical Manifestations
Respiratory
Dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, pleuritic chest pain, dry cough, hemoptysis
Cardiac
Distended neck veins, syncope, cyanosis, systemic hypotension, abnormal heart sounds, abnormal ECG
Low grade fever, petechiae, flu-like symptoms
What is the first intervention?

7. Laboratory Assessment
ABGs
Pulse oximetry
Imaging assessment
What will these show?

8. Nonsurgical Management
Oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, mask)
Continuous patient monitoring
Obtain adequate venous access
Continuous monitoring of pulse oximetry
Drug therapy
Anticoagulants
Fibrinolytics
All of these will be may implemented simultaneously…what needs to be monitored with anti-clotting therapy?