Post-Operative Management and Nursing Care Using The Nursing Process Part 2

1.8. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Any change to Virchow’s triad (flow, endothelial integrity and constituents of blood) promotes venous stasis and thrombus formation; potentially leading to a DVT. When there is a suspicion of a DVT and a Wells score ≥ 2, a Doppler ultrasound scan of the proximal leg veins should be performed PE may complicate DVT and present with chest pain, shortness of breath, haemoptysis, hypoxia and pyrexia. If untreated, a PE may cause pulmonary infarction, right heart strain and even death. CT pulmonary angiography may be undertaken to confirm the diagnosis. Anticoagulation with heparin is necessary and occasionally surgical intervention may be indicated.