Thrommbolism

In acute settings, one of the possible complications during the hospital stay and after the discharge is venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this paper is to determine what would be the best prophylactic methods for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk for development deep vein thrombosis is higher for those individuals that are undergoing to surgery and/or any invasive medical procedure. Deep venous thrombosis occurs when a blood cloth is formed in the body and occludes the normal blood flow. Early detection as well as appropriate treatment is particularly important, as this can be a life-threatening event. DVT is at the same time preventable and it would be very important
For a patient who presents without any risks, it would be of the essence to initiate DVT prophylaxis using compression stockings as they “increase blood velocity, promote venous return, and have been shown to be effective” (Meetoo, 2013, p.393). Compressions stocking as mechanical prophylaxis have many advantages, such as: non-invasive, painless, and less costly. In addition to that, patients more than likely would feel mentally better as they are not “getting one more medication”. Along with utilizing of compression stockings, early and frequent ambulation would be one more mechanical measure in DVT prophylaxis. According to Lippi, Favaloro & Cervellin (2011), “mechanical prophylaxis methods can counteract most of the components of Virchow’s triad but are not associated with any bleeding risk”. As far as adherence to this preventative measure is concerned, we should take into consideration following factors: the size of stockings and education. Every patient should have the proper sized stockings as in this case not that one size fits all, Consequently, nurses should be educate on proper measurement as well as proper application of compression stocking to their patients. On the other side, patients should be educated about the reasoning for the compression stockings and they are part of their treatment as they play very important role in their
Naturally, the more risk factors one has, there is a higher risk for that individual to develop the blood clot. How we can determine that mechanical prophylaxis can provide the adequate protection against forming blood cloth in the body that can eventually cause harm to the patient and mortality if left unrecognized and not treated. Closed monitoring for any physical changes, non-invasive procedure such as ultrasound of extremities, as well as D-dimer are some of the option to rule out the blood clot formation. Are we putting our patient at higher risk for DVT by using only mechanical prophylaxis and waiting for any signs and symptoms of blood clot formation and more complications?
As far as chemical DVT prophylaxis is concerned, “salicylic acid, heparin, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), as well as direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors, and finally vitamin K inhibitors” (Budny, 2009, p.135) are medication of choice for DVT prophylaxis. Risks for bleeding, allergic reactions including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, physical pain caused by subcutaneous and/or intravenous administration, emotional pain caused by fear of prolonged medication regimen, as well as financial burden are