Pulmonary Embolus

Question 1

what is okay for a patient to have and is considered non life threatening?

Answer 1

patient can have many small clots and still be okay

Question 2

What type of pulmonary embolus is considered life threatening and what occurs?

Answer 2

one big clot will kill the patient quickly, the patient will be purple from nipple line up and the patient is dead if this occurs

Question 3

What are clinical manifestations of a pulmonary embolus?

Answer 3

1. sudden onset chest pain
2. dyspnea
3. hemoptysis (coughing up of blood)
4. hypoxemia leading to sudden change in mental status

Question 4

what are risk factors for a pulmonary embolus?

Answer 4

1. surgery in the last 3 months, especially long bone fractures which can cause fatty embolus
2. immobility
3. oral contraceptives

Question 5

What medications can be given for a pulmonary embolus?

Answer 5

alteplase, heparin, and enoxaparin can be given for treatment of a pulmonary embolus?

Question 6

What is the purpose of taking alteplase for a PE?

Answer 6

breaks up clot to restore pulmonary blood flow

Question 7

What are contraindications for alteplase?

Answer 7

bleeding disorders and uncontrolled hypertension

Question 8

What is heparin and enoxaparin used for in the treatment of a PE?

Answer 8

prevents clot from growing and prevents future clots