Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a clinically significant obstruction occurring in part of or the entire pulmonary vascular tree. The most common cause is a thrombus from a distant site such as the leg. Most pulmonary emboli originate from detached portions of venous thrombi that have formed in the deep veins of the lower limbs. Other sites where they form include the right side of the heart and the pelvis. Non-thrombotic emboli, mainly fat, air, and amniotic fluid, may also occur but these are rarer. This chapter provides an overview of incidence and aetiology, and tabulates the risk factors for PE. The clinical features and assessment are covered, and six different investigations are explained. Management—anticoagulants, thrombolysis, and high-flow oxygen—are also included, along with nurse involvement at different points of PE.