Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

Nursing management of patients with pulmonary embolism begins with obtaining a detailed patient history, including any history of DVT.

Assess for dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, and right-sided heart failure signs like peripheral edema. Evaluate laboratory values, including D-dimer levels.

Nursing interventions include the following:

Monitor vital signs, especially oxygen saturation, and assess for signs of hypoxemia.

Administer oxygen therapy as needed. Teach deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry to improve ventilation.

Keep patients on bed rest during thrombolytic infusion and evaluate INR or aPTT levels 3 to 4 hours post-infusion.

For pleuritic chest pain, administer prescribed opioid analgesics, position the patient in the semi-Fowler’s position, and frequently reposition them.

Educate patients on wearing prescribed anti-embolism stockings, avoiding prolonged sitting or sitting with legs crossed, staying hydrated, and performing leg exercises during travel to improve venous return.

Emphasize the importance of regular physical activity, smoking cessation, adherence to anticoagulant therapy, and follow-up appointments.