Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Clinical Management Examination: Deep Vein Thrombosis Pathogenesis, Superficial Venous Thrombophlebitis, Venous Thromboembolism Disorders, Pulmonary Embolism Pathophysiology, Hemostasis and Coagulation Cascade Mechanisms

Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Clinical Management Examination: Deep Vein Thrombosis Pathogenesis, Superficial Venous Thrombophlebitis, Venous Thromboembolism Disorders, Pulmonary Embolism Pathophysiology, Hemostasis and Coagulation Cascade Mechanisms, Anticoagulant Pharmacotherapy, Antiplatelet Drug Therapy, Thrombolytic Fibrinolytic Therapy, Dyslipidemia Metabolic Disorders, Hypercholesterolemia Risk Factors, Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation, Endothelial Vascular Injury, Coronary Artery Disease Pathogenesis, Myocardial Ischemia Syndromes, Chronic Stable Angina, Variant Prinzmetal Angina, Microvascular Angina Disorders, Acute Coronary Syndrome Spectrum, ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Myocardial Infarction Complications, Hypertension Hemodynamic Mechanisms, Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Regulation, Target Organ Damage Pathophysiology, Pharmacologic Antihypertensive Therapy Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? A blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh What is a superficial vein thrombosis? formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein Characteristics of a superficial vein thrombosis firm, palpable, cordlike vein Pain/tenderness Edema/swelling Itchy, warm, red What is a venous thromboembolism (VTE)? a condition that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein—usually in the leg or pelvic veins. What are characteristics of a venous thromboembolism? unilateral edema/swelling pain/tenderness paresthesia increased temperature What are the causes of a pulmonary embolism? DVT, a-fib, childbirth, surgery, central lines, long bone fracture, bacterial veg. heart valves, tumors What are risk factors for a pulmonary embolism? immobility, surgery 3 months, history of VTE, cancer, obesity, oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, smoking, long air trafel, heart failure, pregnancy, clotting disorders What are signs/symptoms of a pulmonary embolism? dyspnea, hypoxemia, tachypnea, chest pain, cough, hemoptysis, crackles/wheezing, tachycardia, syncope, Mental status changes, feeling of impending doom What are complications of a pulmonary embolism? pulmonary hypertension, right sided heart failure, death How do you diagnose a VTE? duplex ultrasound, venous compression ultrasound, computed tomography venography, D-dimes (not specific or sensitive for DVT/PE) How do you diagnose a PE? CT angiography (most common) V/Q perfusion scan D-dimer (not specific or sensitive for DVT/PE) What are the best ways to prevent VTE for postoperative patients? *Bedrest: turn q2hours & educate patient to flex feet, legs, knees, and hips while awake *Up for meals *Walking 4-6 times a day What do anticoagulants do? disrupt coagulation cascade What do antiplatelets do? inhibit platelet aggregation What do thrombolytics do? dissolve thrombi What is hemostasis? arrest of bleeding What can cause hemostasis? *vascular injury and subendohelial exposure *adhesion *activation *aggregation *platelet plug formation *Clot retraction and dissolution Treatment for PE 1. Drug therapy *anticoagulants *antiplatelet *thrombolytics 2. Surgical/radiological intervention *embolectomy (pumonary embolectomy) 3. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Nursing care for PE 1. Prevention is the key 2. Position for comfort (breathing) 3. Supportive therapy 4. emotional support Patient teaching for PE 1. New short or long term anticoagulant therapy 2. Measures for prevent future DVT 3. Importance of follow-up exams/treatment 4. Compliance with treatment 5. Signs/symptoms to observe for Heparin (Unfractionated) route