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leeannsand:

Pulmonary Emboli: A blood clot from a different part of the body that causes a blockage in the pulmonary artery. This is life threatening and needs to be treated immediately.

Signs and Symptoms: SOB, cough, blood tinged sputum, chest pain, increased respirations, crackles, anxiety. Immediate care is needed.

Diagnostics: Chest x-ray, MRI, CT scan, pulmonary angiogram

Drug Therapy: Thrombolytics, anticoagulants heparin or warfarin (Coumadin), O2

Nursing Care: A pulmonary embolism is considered an emergency situation. Monitor vital signs/respiratory status closely. Administer O2. Administer medication as ordered. The medical team will be at the patient’s bedside to give orders and draw ABGs. Preventive treatment of pulmonary embolism includes compression boots, heparin injections, ambulating the patient, and fluids.