Question

Describe nursing interventions used to prevent VTE in at-risk patients.

Answer 1

Venous Thromboembolism ( VTE) is a disease condition in which their is a formation of a blood clot ( thrombus) mostly in the deep veins of legs, groin or arms and travels in the circulation and lodging in the lungs. Certain risk factors for developing this condition includes surgery ( especially of hip,knee, cancer ) , prolonged hospital stay , trauma , oral contraceptive, obesity and smoking.

The prevention of VTE is an important part of the nursing care of high risk patients. Patients at risk for VTE should be advised to make lifestyle changes which may include weight loss, smoking cessation and regular exercises. The nurse should also advise patient who has undergone surgery especially of hip, knee to wear graduated compression stockings and do leg exercises frequently to decrease venous stasis.When patient is on bedrest he/ she should elevate feet and lower legs above the level of heart and active and passive leg exercises should be performed to increase venous flow.