Pulmonary embolism

A client has experienced pulmonary embolism. A nurse assesses for which symptom, which is most commonly reported?

1. Hot, flushed feeling
2. Sudden chills and fever
3. Chest pain that occurs suddenly
4. Dyspnea when deep breaths are taken

PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Description:

Passage of a thrombus, often originating in a uterine or other pelvic vein, into the lungs, where it disrupts the circulation of the blood

Assessment:

Sudden dyspnea and chest pain
Tachypnea and tachycardia
Cough and lung crackles
Hemoptysis
Feeling of impending doom

Interventions:

Administer oxygen.
Position client with the head of the bed elevated.
Monitor vital signs frequently, especially respiratory and heart rate and breath sounds.
Monitor for signs of respiratory distress and for signs of increasing hypoxemia.
Administer intravenous fluids as prescribed.
Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
Prepare to assist the physician to administer medications to dissolve the clot if prescribed.