WEEK #9 CLASS 6550 REASON FOR ENCOUNTER
;SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND FEELING FAINT
LATEST ACTUAL SCREENSHOT
What is a PE? - answer-A blood clot (thrombus) in the pulmonary artery
What is a venous thromboembolism? - answer-DVT and PE
First line investigation for PE? - answer-CXR
D-dimer
Likely PE and unlikely PE investigation? - answer-Likely - CTPA
D-dimer and if positive do CTPA
What are the risk factors? - answer-Immobility
Recent surgery
Long haul travel
Pregnancy
, Hormone therapy with oestrogen (combined pill)
Malignancy
Polycythaemia (raised haemoglobin)
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Thrombophilia
What is given to high risk VTE patients? - answer-VTE prophylaxis - low
molecular weight heparin (e.g. enoxaparin)
What are the contraindications for LMWH? - answer-Active bleeding
Existing anticoagulation with warfarin or DOAC
What else can be given? - answer-Anti-embolic compression stockings
Contraindication for that? - answer-Peripheral arterial disease
Presentation: - answer-Shortness of breath
Cough
Haemoptysis
Pleuritic chest pain (sharp pain on inspiration)
Hypoxia
Tachycardia
Raised respiratory rate
Low grade fever