What is Pulmonary Embolism ؟

Pulmonary Embolism

-          Obstruction of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a thrombi that originates somewhere in the venous system or in the right side of heart.

x Causes:

1. Immobility
2. Coagulopthy
3. Vascular disease
4. Surgery
5. Aging
6. Obesity
7. Oral contraceptives
8. Trauma
9. Injury
10. Constrictive Clothing

x Clinical Manifestations:

1. Dyspnea
2. Tachypnea
3. Chest pain
4. Pleuritic pain (Sharp)
5. Anxiety
6. Fever
7. Diaphoresis
8. Hemoptysais
9. Cough
10. Syncope

x Therapeutic Intervention: 

1. Anticoagulation with heparin IV until therapeutic PTT is attained; sodium warfarin is used for maintenance therapy.
2. Thrombolytic Therapy (streptokinase, alteplase, urokinase)
3. Angiography: if the condition sever, an embolectomy may be indicated
4. vena caval interruption
5. nasal O2
6. I.V morphine or sedative are administered
7. high fowlers position