Nursing Care Plan for Pulmonary Embolism
Also searched as: PE, blood clot in the lung
🎓 Educational example. Adapt to your patient and have your instructor review it. Not medical advice.
A sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery, usually by a clot from the legs, that impairs gas exchange and can be life-threatening. Nursing care is urgent: support oxygenation, monitor for deterioration, and manage anticoagulation.
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Assessment
- Subjective: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain worse on breathing, anxiety
- Objective: tachypnea, tachycardia, low oxygen saturation, possible low blood pressure
Nursing diagnoses
As evidenced by: low oxygen saturation, dyspnea, tachypnea
As evidenced by: tachycardia, hypotension, anxiety
Goals / expected outcomes
- The patient will maintain oxygen saturation within the ordered target during care.
- The patient will remain free of worsening respiratory or hemodynamic compromise.
Nursing interventions & rationale
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and work of breathing continuously. | Early detection of hypoxia guides oxygen and escalation. |
| Administer oxygen and position for easiest breathing; keep the patient calm. | Supports oxygenation and reduces the demand that anxiety adds. |
| Give anticoagulant/thrombolytic therapy as prescribed and monitor for bleeding. | Prevents clot extension while balancing bleeding risk. |
| Watch for hypotension, rising heart rate, or decreasing consciousness and report immediately. | These signal right-heart failure and require rapid intervention. |
Evaluation
- Oxygen saturation meets target
- Respiratory rate and effort improve
- No signs of bleeding or hemodynamic collapse
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Build a care plan free See Student plan — $6.99/monthPulmonary Embolism care plan: FAQ
What is the nursing diagnosis for Pulmonary Embolism?
Common nursing diagnoses include: Impaired gas exchange related to obstructed pulmonary blood flow; Reduced cardiac output related to increased right-heart strain. Choose the one your patient's assessment data supports.
What are nursing interventions for Pulmonary Embolism?
Key interventions: Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and work of breathing continuously.; Administer oxygen and position for easiest breathing; keep the patient calm.; Give anticoagulant/thrombolytic therapy as prescribed and monitor for bleeding. — each paired with a rationale.
Can I use this care plan for my assignment?
Use it as a study example and starting draft. Always adapt it to your specific patient and have it reviewed by your instructor. This is an educational tool, not medical advice.
Last reviewed 2026-07. Educational content based on standard nursing practice; not medical advice and not affiliated with NANDA-I/NIC/NOC. Always follow your institution's protocols and your instructor's guidance.