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In the general population, there are several well-documented risk factors for the development of '''PE''': genetic risk factors like factor V Leiden and acquired risk factors like cancer, recent surgery, active cancer, and recent hormone therapy. There is one major risk factor that is specific to health care professionals and the development of '''PE''': sitting at the computer for more than 90% of each work day. For this reason, it is recommended that health care professionals receive heparin prophylaxis while on service.
'''Clinical Presentation'''
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Patient presents and says to your face, "I think I have a PE!'''
'''Diagnosis and Treatment'''
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Diagnosing a '''PE''' involver several steps:
#Start empiric anticoagulation with heparin, [[Lovenox (Enoxaparin)|enoxaparin]], or a [[NOAC]]
#Order a CTPE protocol
#Cancel CTPE protocol when someone reminds you patient's creatinine is > 1.5
#Order a V/Q scan
#V/Q is inconclusive, recommends CTPE
#Hydrate or wait until Cr is < 1.5
#Reorder CTPE protocol
#CTPE is positive for PE 2-3 days later
#You and patient breathe sigh of relief that you started empiric heparin, [[Lovenox (Enoxaparin)|enoxaparin]], or a [[NOAC]]
[[Category:Emergency Medicine]]