PULMONARY EMBOLISM

PULMONARY EMBOLISM

DEFINITION:-

Pulmonary embolism refers to the obstruction of pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an embolus.
Embolus: Material, such as blood clot, fat, air, amniotic fluid, or a foreign body that is carried by blood from one point in circulation to another point.


RISK FACTORS:-

  • Venous stasis (Slowing blood flow in vein)
  • Hyper-coagulability
  • Venous endothelial disease
  • COPD
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Post operative/ Post partum period
  • Prolonged immobility


SIGN/SYMPTOMS:-

  • Chest pain
  • Dyspnea
  • Tachycardia
  • Tachypnea
  • Fever
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Cough
  • Haemoptysis.
  • Syncope (loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood supply to brain).


COMPLICATIONS:-

  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Cor-pulmonale


DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION:-

  • Chest X-ray
  • Angiography
  • ECG
  • ABG


MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:-

  • Anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy.


SURGICAL MANAGEMENT:-

  • Embolectomy.


NURSING MANAGEMENT:-

  • Relieve anxiety
  • Provide post-operative care
  • Provide health education
  • Manage to relieve pain with pain killer
  • Administer oxygen therapy
  • Monitor complications during anticoagulant therapy is given.

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