NUR 254 Pulmonary Embolism

NUR 254 Pulmonary Embolism
1. What is a pulmonary embolism?
Answer
An obstruction of blood flow in part of pulmonary vascular system by an embolus
2. What is a thromboemboli?
Answer
An embolus that originates in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis
3. What is the most common cause of PE?
Answer
Thromboemboli
4. What can be an embolus?
Answer
Anything that blocks the flow of blood
5. What is the process of hemodynamic consequences that occur because of a PE?
Answer
- Pulmonary vascular resistance increases because of the clot
- Right ventricle fails when workload exceeds capacity
- Cardiac output decreases
- Systemic blood pressure decreases
- Pt goes into shock
6. What are the three classifications of PE?
Answer
- Massive
- Submassive
- Low risk