Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – Patient Education
What It Is
Pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries in your lungs. This can stop blood from reaching parts of your lungs, which can cause serious problems.
Causes and Risk Factors
PE usually happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in your leg (called deep vein thrombosis or DVT), and then travels to your lungs.
Risk factors include:
Long periods of sitting or bed rest (like during travel or after surgery)
Recent surgery or injury
Certain medical conditions like cancer or heart disease
Smoking
Being overweight
Pregnancy or using birth control pills or hormone therapy
Family history of blood clots
Signs and Symptoms
Early warning signs:
Sudden shortness of breath
Sharp chest pain that may get worse with deep breaths or coughing
Rapid heart rate
Coughing, sometimes with blood
Feeling dizzy or faint
Other symptoms:
Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg (sign of DVT)
Sweating or anxiety
Complications if Untreated or Not Following Care Plan
If PE is not treated quickly, it can cause:
Damage to your lungs
Low oxygen levels in your blood
Heart failure
Death
Treatment and Self-Care Measures
Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Medicines that prevent new clots and help dissolve existing ones.
Thrombolytics: Strong medicines used in emergency cases to quickly dissolve clots.
Compression stockings: Help prevent blood clots in your legs.
Lifestyle changes: Avoid long sitting or standing periods; move your legs often.
Follow-up care: Regular blood tests to monitor medication effects.
Common Types of Medications
Warfarin (Coumadin): A blood thinner that requires regular blood tests to check how well it works.
Side effects: Bleeding, bruising.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): Such as apixaban or rivaroxaban.
Side effects: Bleeding risk, stomach upset.
Heparin: Used in hospitals, sometimes before starting oral medicines.
Side effects: Bleeding, allergic reactions.
Dietary Needs
Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
If on warfarin, keep your vitamin K intake consistent (foods like spinach, kale).
Avoid alcohol or limit it, as it can affect blood clotting and medication.
Lifestyle Changes
Stay active and move your legs often, especially during travel.
Avoid sitting or standing still for long times.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Stop smoking.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on medicines and blood tests.
Safety Considerations
Take medications exactly as prescribed.
Watch for signs of bleeding (like unusual bruises or blood in stool/urine).
Inform all healthcare providers that you are on blood thinners.
Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor to avoid cuts.
Wear a medical alert bracelet if advised.
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
Use compression stockings if recommended.
Move your legs often when traveling or sitting long.
Keep follow-up appointments and blood tests.
Know your symptoms and seek care early.
When to Call for Help
Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:
You have increased shortness of breath or chest pain
You cough up blood
Your leg becomes more swollen, red, or painful
You notice unusual bleeding or bruising
You feel dizzy or weak
Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room if:
You have severe difficulty breathing or cannot catch your breath
Chest pain is severe or lasts more than a few minutes
You pass out or feel confused
You cough up a lot of blood
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911
Patient Homework/Assessment
Instructions: Choose “True” or “False” for each statement. Correct any false statements.
True or False – Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lungs.
True or False – Blood clots usually start in the lungs.
True or False – Long sitting or bed rest increases the risk of blood clots.
True or False – Sudden shortness of breath is a common symptom of PE.
True or False – Chest pain from PE usually gets worse with deep breaths.
True or False – Blood thinners help prevent new clots and dissolve old ones.
True or False – Compression stockings can help prevent blood clots in the legs.
True or False – Smoking has no effect on blood clot risk.
True or False – You should avoid moving your legs during long trips.
True or False – You may need regular blood tests when on warfarin.
True or False – It is safe to stop blood thinners when you feel better without telling your doctor.
True or False – Coughing up blood is a warning sign and should be reported immediately.
True or False – Bleeding and bruising can be side effects of blood thinners.
True or False – Drinking alcohol has no impact on blood clot medications.
True or False – A swollen, painful leg could be a sign of a blood clot.
True or False – You should inform your healthcare providers about your blood thinner medications.
True or False – You can use a regular razor while on blood thinners without concern.
True or False – Severe chest pain or passing out requires emergency medical care.
True or False – Keeping a healthy weight helps reduce blood clot risk.
True or False – Wearing a medical alert bracelet can be helpful if you take blood thinners.
Individualized Patient Questions
Have you noticed any swelling or pain in your legs recently?
Are you taking your blood thinner medicines as prescribed?
How often do you have blood tests to check your medicine levels?
Have you experienced any bleeding or bruising?
Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
How often do you move your legs during long periods of sitting?
Have you had any chest pain or shortness of breath recently?
Are you wearing compression stockings as recommended?
Do you follow a consistent diet, especially if on warfarin?
Do you know when to seek emergency care for your symptom.