Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism, with its sudden-onset and variable evolution, can be life-threatening or cause permanent damage without appropriate treatment. In an emergency, when it is suspected, early diagnosis and rapid interventions in order of priority are required to sustain or restore vital functions. The decision-making process must be effective, and the quality of the response affects the outcome in terms of loss of life, duration of hospitalisation and disabling outcomes. The Emilia Romagna Regional Health Service aims at technical and scientific progress in order to raise the standard of care. The role and activity of nursing care is central to the diagnostic pathway. The purpose of pharmacological and interventional treatment of acute pulmonary embolism is to restore circulation in occluded pulmonary arteries and improve the haemodynamic and symptomatic state. All this takes place in part in the haemodynamic room, also thanks to highly technological devices such as the AngioJet system for the minimally invasive mechanical thrombectomy with percutaneous technique. The nurse collaborates in the early recognition of the acute event, and plays an active role in the preparation, treatment, and monitoring of the patient's clinical condition from admission to the emergency room to post-discharge therapeutic education. Taking charge of the patient and family allows us not to neglect the relational aspect and to lay the foundations for a quality and lasting therapeutic relationship, even after discharge, a period during which it is crucial for the patient to carefully follow the recommendations provided by the health professionals and the educational interventions planned in particular by the nursing team, in order to reduce the risk of thromboembolic recurrences, improve the quality of life and gradually resume all daily activities.