Overview
Clinical Meaning
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, most commonly originating from deep veins of the lower extremities (DVT), embolizes to the pulmonary arterial vasculature.
WHNP
WHNP
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, most commonly originating from deep veins of the lower extremities (DVT), embolizes to the pulmonary arterial vasculature. Virchow's triad (venous stasis, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability) underlies thrombus formation. The embolus lodges in pulmonary arteries, creating dead space ventilation (ventilated but unperfused alveoli), increasing V/Q mismatch, and causing hypoxemia. In massive PE, acute right ventricular (RV) pressure overload occurs as pulmonary vascular resistance rises abruptly, leading to RV dilation, septal bowing into the left ventricle (reducing LV filling), and obstructive shock.
Unlock full lesson + practice questions
4 more sections with scenarios, priorities, and review drills.
Final rapid review before practice
Next study step
Finish the lesson first, then choose a focused activity to apply what you just reviewed.
Continue studying
Sign in to save progress on this lesson.
Unlock the interactive lesson quiz with a plan that includes this WHNP pathway. You can still explore topic-filtered questions from the bank hubs below.