Deep Vein Thrombosis
Risk Factors
- Age:Â Older people at high risk
- Lack of movement: Sitting for a long time. Long flights. Bed rest during hospitalization. Long car rides
- Surgery and Bed rest
- History of DVT
- Pregnancy and post-partum up to 6 weeks
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Cancer
- Heart failureÂ
Signs and Symptoms
- May be asymptomatic
- Leg swelling
- One leg that looks larger than the other
- Leg pain, especially calf area
- Change in skin color
- A feeling of warmth where DVT has formed
Complications
Treatment and Prevention of DVT
- Blood Thinners such as Enoxaparin SC and Heparin SC
- Avoid risk factors if possible
- Early ambulation after surgery
- Pneumatic compression device
Pulmonary Embolism
- Oxygen
- High Fowler’s position
- Pulse Oximeter
- Heparin intravenous (Titrate using PTT) then Warfarin to go home. Client will need frequent labs
- Mechanical ventilation for severe hypoxia