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What is a Pulmonary Embolism? – Video
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Video at a Glance
- A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lungs.
- The source of a PE is usually a thrombus that originally formed in a vein in the legs.
- PE is often life-threatening.
- Signs and symptoms of PE include dyspnea, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
- Providers may observe a decrease in blood-oxygen saturation, along with tachycardia and rapid breathing.
- Primary diagnosis includes a CT pulmonary angiogram. Other options include blood gas analysis, ECG, and a D-dimer blood test.
- Treatments include supplemental oxygen, IV fluids, heparin, and warfarin. In severe cases of PE, tPA is an option, as is the surgical removal of the clot.
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