Overview
1. Learning Objectives
After working through this topic, the RN can: Explain how Virchow triad produces a deep vein thrombus and how an embolus reaches the pulmonary arteries.
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN
After working through this topic, the RN can: - Explain how Virchow triad produces a deep vein thrombus and how an embolus reaches the pulmonary arteries. - Trace the physiology from pulmonary artery obstruction to dead-space ventilation, hypoxemia, hypocapnia and right ventricular (RV) failure. - Classify pulmonary embolism (PE) as high-risk, intermediate-high, intermediate-low or low-risk and say what each class means for monitoring and escalation. - Recognize the early signs of a normotensive patient who is deteriorating toward obstructive shock. - Describe the RN role in anticoagulation, thrombolysis, catheter-based therapy and RV-protective fluid and oxygen management. - Identify when to escalate immediately and what to report.
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