Lock It In
Bottom Line
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when material—most often part of a blood clot from a deep vein thrombosis—travels to and blocks part of the pulmonary arterial circulation.
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when material—most often part of a blood clot from a deep vein thrombosis—travels to and blocks part of the pulmonary arterial circulation. Most thromboembolic PEs begin with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The dangerous sequence is: DVT → clot travels to lungs → pulmonary artery obstruction → reduced pulmonary perfusion → increased right-heart workload A large or clinically significant PE can cause: hypoxaemia → right ventricular strain → reduced cardiac output → hypotension → obstructive shock For the practical nurse, the most important responsibility is to recognise an unexpected change, assess the patient, identify deterioration, provide appropriate nursing interventions within scope and orders, and escalate promptly. Do not wait for every classic sign to appear.