Question

SCDs are ordered for Mrs. Logan while she is in bed to prevent what serious postoperative complication?

Answer 1

SCD is Sequential Compression Device

It is a method to prevent DVT i.e. deep vein thrombosis

It is been given when patient is expected to stay for long time on bed, for eg. after major surgery or in a bed ridden chronic diseased patient.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is a disease characterised by formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs.

Causes is IMMOBILITY OF LOWER LIMB secondary to prolong bed ridden after major surgery or chronic diseased patient.

PATHOGENESIS - lower limb blood is returned to blood due to contraction of calf muscles contraction when person walks which doesnt occur in bed ridden patient. This blood remains stagnant in leg veins which rsults in clotting of blood called as DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, and enlarged veins in the legs.

PREVENTION - is to use SCD i.e. Sequential Compression Device,

FUNCTIONING OF SCD DEVICE - it is like a bp cuff where the strap are dressed around both the calf muscle seperately which is connected tu inflattion pump via tubbings which inflates that cuffs which immitates like calf muscle contraction helping in return of venous blood of leg and avoiding clotting of this blood in leg veins

COMPLICATION - The most common and life-threatening complication is PULMONARY THROMBO EMBOLISM