1. The client/caregiver can define pulmonary embolism.
    1. It is an obstruction in the blood vessel of a lung.
    2. The obstruction prevents blood flow to a portion of the lung.
    3. Without adequate blood supply, the lung cannot function properly, and lung tissue may be destroyed.
  2. The client/caregiver can list factors that may cause pulmonary embolism.
    1. Recent surgery (such as major joint replacement surgery)
    2. Immobility or prolonged bedrest
    3. Increased levels of clotting factor
    4. Smoking
    5. Obesity
    6. Pregnancy and childbirth
    7. Birth control pills
    8. Family history
    9. Pacemakers
    10. Fractures and injury
    11. Some medical conditions (certain cancers, heart disease, and inflammatory bowel disease)
  3. The client/caregiver can recognize signs and symptoms.
    1. Symptoms are
      • Sudden shortness of breath (active or at rest)
      • Chest pain similar to pain with a heart attack that will not ease with rest
      • Excessive sweating
      • Rapid heartbeat
      • Lightheadedness or fainting
      • Wheezing
      • Clammy or bluish color to skin
      • Leg swelling
      • Weak pulse
  4. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent pulmonary embolism.
    1. Promote good circulation.
      1. Exercise regularly especially leg exercises with rest periods.
      2. When traveling, move lower legs and feet while sitting. Change position as able.
      3. Wear antiembolism stockings.
      4. Avoid crossing legs or sitting for long periods of time.
      5. Avoid constrictive clothing.
    2. Avoid nicotine.
    3. Increase fluid intake to at least six to eight glasses per day.
    4. Take medication as prescribed.
    5. Follow general safety precautions to prevent injury.
    6. Avoid laxatives because they affect vitamin K absorption.
    7. Keep follow-up appointments with physician.
  5. The client/caregiver is aware of possible complications.
    1. Pulmonary infarction (death of lung tissue)
    2. Pulmonary hypertension
    3. Heart failure
    4. Collapse of lung
    5. Shock
    6. Cardiopulmonary arrest (heart stops)

Resources

American Lung Associationwww.lungusa.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutewww.nhlbi.nih.gov

American Heart Associationwww.heart.org

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.

Cohen, B. J., & Taylor, J. J. (2005). Memmler’s the human body in health and disease (10th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.

Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.

© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.

www.jbpub.com

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