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NSG 223 exam 2b Questions and
Answers Latest Version
Pulmonary embolism Ans: Refers to obstruction of the
pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a thrombi
that originates somewhere in the right side of the heart.
Causes of Pulmonary Embolism Ans: Includes trauma,
surgery (orthopedic, abdominal, pelvic), pregnancy, heart
failure, hypercoagulable states, and prolonged
immobility.
Common causes of PE Ans: Most commonly due to blood
clot, but can also be due to air, fat, amniotic fluid, sepsis
(bacterial vegetation).
Effects of Pulmonary Embolism Ans: Can cause complete
or partial occlusion, little or no blood-flow to distal area,
ventilation/perfusion impairment, and impaired or no
gas exchange.
Hemodynamic changes due to PE Ans: Includes edema,
regional vasoconstriction, increased pressures, which can
lead to right sided heart failure.
Clinical manifestations of PE Ans: Depends on the size of
the thrombus and includes dyspnea, tachycardia, bloody
sputum, cough, chest pain (pleuritic), anxiety, fever,
diaphoresis, and syncope.
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Emergency treatment for PE Ans: Includes nasal O2
immediately to relieve hypoxemia, respiratory distress,
and central cyanosis.
IV lines for PE treatment Ans: Used for fluids and
medications such as anticoagulants and vasopressors.
Vasopressors for hypotension Ans: If hypotension is not
improved by IV fluids, give vasopressors like Dopamine,
Dobutamine, or Norepinephrine.
Evaluations for PE Ans: Includes hemodynamic
evaluation, hypoxemia evaluation (ABG), and MDCTA.
Labs for PE treatment Ans: Includes electrolytes, CBC,
and coagulation tests.
Pain relief in PE Ans: May involve small doses of
morphine sulfate and sedatives if intubated.
General management for PE Ans: Includes oxygen therapy
to relieve hypoxemia, anti-embolism stockings or SCDs to
reduce venous stasis, and elevating legs for venous
return.
Anticoagulation therapy for suspected PE Ans: Treatment
may last up to 10 days.
Long-term anticoagulation after embolic event Ans: May
last from 10 days to 3 months.
Anticoagulants for stable PE Ans: Includes LMW Heparin
(Lovanox), unfractionated Heparin (SQ), or new oral
© 2025 All rights reserved
NSG 223 exam 2b Questions and
Answers Latest Version
Pulmonary embolism Ans: Refers to obstruction of the
pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a thrombi
that originates somewhere in the right side of the heart.
Causes of Pulmonary Embolism Ans: Includes trauma,
surgery (orthopedic, abdominal, pelvic), pregnancy, heart
failure, hypercoagulable states, and prolonged
immobility.
Common causes of PE Ans: Most commonly due to blood
clot, but can also be due to air, fat, amniotic fluid, sepsis
(bacterial vegetation).
Effects of Pulmonary Embolism Ans: Can cause complete
or partial occlusion, little or no blood-flow to distal area,
ventilation/perfusion impairment, and impaired or no
gas exchange.
Hemodynamic changes due to PE Ans: Includes edema,
regional vasoconstriction, increased pressures, which can
lead to right sided heart failure.
Clinical manifestations of PE Ans: Depends on the size of
the thrombus and includes dyspnea, tachycardia, bloody
sputum, cough, chest pain (pleuritic), anxiety, fever,
diaphoresis, and syncope.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Emergency treatment for PE Ans: Includes nasal O2
immediately to relieve hypoxemia, respiratory distress,
and central cyanosis.
IV lines for PE treatment Ans: Used for fluids and
medications such as anticoagulants and vasopressors.
Vasopressors for hypotension Ans: If hypotension is not
improved by IV fluids, give vasopressors like Dopamine,
Dobutamine, or Norepinephrine.
Evaluations for PE Ans: Includes hemodynamic
evaluation, hypoxemia evaluation (ABG), and MDCTA.
Labs for PE treatment Ans: Includes electrolytes, CBC,
and coagulation tests.
Pain relief in PE Ans: May involve small doses of
morphine sulfate and sedatives if intubated.
General management for PE Ans: Includes oxygen therapy
to relieve hypoxemia, anti-embolism stockings or SCDs to
reduce venous stasis, and elevating legs for venous
return.
Anticoagulation therapy for suspected PE Ans: Treatment
may last up to 10 days.
Long-term anticoagulation after embolic event Ans: May
last from 10 days to 3 months.
Anticoagulants for stable PE Ans: Includes LMW Heparin
(Lovanox), unfractionated Heparin (SQ), or new oral
© 2025 All rights reserved
