Patient was educated on complications of deep vein thrombosis as follows:
- Pulmonary infarction: Obstruction to the pulmonary blood flow by pulmonary emboli can result in poorly perfused lungs and reduced oxygenation of lung tissue, thus leading to tissue death and development of pulmonary infarction.
- Heart failure: Unresolved pulmonary hypertension over prolonged periods of time can lead to elevation of pressure on right side of heart with right-sided heart failure. Individuals can present with worsening symptoms of right heart failure, such as, episodes of acutely increased shortness of breath, worsening fluid retention or edema in the lower extremities, consistently decreasing oxygen saturations, increasing effort of breathing, and increasing dependence on supplemental oxygen.
- Arrhythmia: Individuals at risk for and history of arrhythmias, secondary to pulmonary emboli, can present with exacerbation of arrhythmia, grossly irregular heartbeat, increased SOB and effort of breathing, worsening of cardiac function, and heart failure.
