Introduction: During pregnancy, different changes are occurring in the female body, both physiological and anatomical. Women in pregnancy are five times more vulnerable than otherwise. There are a number of risk factors that can lead to disease, but signs may be non-specific. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to present risk factors for pulmonary embolism in pregnancy, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment methods, and the role of nurse in addressing pregnant women suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Methods: In the thesis we used the descriptive method of work, with a review and analysis of mainly English professional literature. This search was made by MedLine, CINAHL with full text, Base and Science Direct databases. The search for literature was limited from 2013 to 2019 inclusive. The literature search took place from July 2019 to the September 2019. Results: The incidence of pulmonary embolism in the developed world in pregnancy increases. The risk of pulmonary embolism is increased by the onset of pregnancy, takes the whole pregnancy and reaches the peak in the postnatal period. The pregnancy is a risk factor for pulmonary embolism. Signs and symptoms that are otherwise specific to pulmonary embolism may be overlooked in pregnancy because they are physiological signs of pregnancy. Low-molecular heparin is the first choice in the treatment of thrombotic events during pregnancy because they are safe and easy to use. Discussion and conclusion: In pregnancy, the exact diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is crucial, but this is a unique challenge for the three main causes. Physiological symptoms of pregnancy are similar signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Non-invasive diagnostic strategy, commonly used in the diagnosis, were not properly investigated in pregnant women. Lastly, the imaging tests needed to the diagnosis can represents a risk to the health of pregnant women. Because of that nurses are a key group of health professionals who need to know the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism and take proper action. If nurses are well trained and know how to identify signs and symptoms of the disease and risk factors, together with the doctors, contribute to appropriate medical treatment and a better outcome of treatment.
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