Respiratory Conditions and Management

Question 1

What is a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 1

Blood clot impairing the blood supply to the lungs

Question 2

What can a pulmonary embolism be confused with?

Answer 2

Heart chest pain

Question 3

What is a pulmonary embolism often caused by?

Answer 3

Deep vein thrombosis travelling from the legs to the lungs

Question 4

What are some signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 4

-Unexplained shortness of breath
-Pleuritic chest pain
-Sinus tachycardia
-Reduced SP02
-Haemoptysis
-Clinical signs of a DVT

Question 5

What would you specifically ask for a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 5

-Recent surgery
-Recent myocardial infarction
-Family history of a DVT/PE
-Pregnancy
-Immobalisation

Question 6

How would you manage a patient with a pulmonary embolism?

Answer 6

-Full history
-Oxygen therapy
-12 Lead ECG
-SP02
-IV Access

Question 7

What are the clinical signs of a DVT?

Answer 7

Leg swelling, pain on palpation of deep veins