| Signs/Symptoms | Common tests | Treatments | Risk Factors | You might want to know this |
|---|---|---|---|---|
100What is shortness of breath
This common symptom is often referred to as SOB
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100What is D-dimer
This test will reveal a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis
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100What are compression stockings
You may slip these over your legs to aid in circulation
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100What are birth control pills
Clients who take these daily are at risk
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100What is the number of people who have pulmonary embolism each year in the US
About 600,000
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200What is chest pain
Pain here is often mistaken as a heart attack
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200What is MRI
A noninvasive medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures and limited function of the body.
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200What is tPA (tissue plasminogen activator)
A clot busting drug (thrombolytic) used to break up clots
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200What is surgery
If you have had a major one, you may be at risk
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200What is the percentage of undetected cases of PE each year in the United States?
59%
based on 2000 census
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300What is fever
This may be low grade
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300What is pulmonary angiogram
This procedure uses a special dye (contrast material) and x-rays to see how blood flows through the lungs.
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300What is anticoagulant therapy
This drug therapy is used to prevent future clots
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300What is 65+
People in this age group were at highest risk for PE
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300What is the likelihood of having another PE
Twice or 2 times
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400What are crackles (rales)
These lung sounds may be heard
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400What is a V/Q scan
A type of medical imaging using scintigraphy and medical isotopes to evaluate the circulation of air and blood within a patient's lungs.
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400What is heparin
Usually the first drug given IV to stop future clot formation
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400What is cancer
People who have been treated for this are more likely to have a deep vein thrombosis (which could potentially lead to PE)
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400What is the length of time the average person will be on medications post diagnosis.
3 months to life (variable)
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500What is arrythmia
This, also known as an irregular heartbeat, might also indicate PE
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500What is computed tomography
This non-invasive diagnostic procedure uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body.
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500What is warfarin (Coumadin)
A blood thinner that is usually given after the initial adminstration of heparin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
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500What is immobility or inactivity
The most common cause of PE
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500What is it that Angie says when she runs out of info?
DUH
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