DVT/VTE Flashcards
Thrombus
clot attached to vessel wall
Thromboembolism
clot that detaches from vessel wall
Venous thromboembolism
Detached clot in the venous system; more common bc dec flow and pressure in veins
Where do DVTs usually occur and why?
lower extremities bc less pressure and slower; near venous valve
Triad of virchow
3 factors promoting formation of a venous thrombosis–venous stasis, venous endothelial damage, hypercoagulable states
Who is venous stasis associated with
old, immobile, heart failure
Who is associated with hypercoagulable states?
oral contraceptive, genetic mutations, preg, tumors
Highest risk for VTEs
ortho surgeries, SCI, obstetric/gyn disease
Inflammation around the thrombus promotes…
inappropriate platelet agg, thrombus grows–pain and redness or no sx
What causes swelling with embolism?
significance obstruction to venous blood flow from a clot causing pressure to build and edema
risk fx for DVT
immobility, clotting disorder, injury/surgery, varicose/spider veins, preg and up to 6 weeks post-preg, smoking, chemo, heart failure, overweight/obese, inflam bowel disease, fam hx of DVT, age over 60, international Travel!
PE
clot builds up in lungs and prevents gas exchange
chronic thromboembolic pulmonary HTN
rare, repeated clots in lungs–inc pressure in lung circulationg; causes SOB
Post-thrombotic sx
inflammation and irritation of DVT causes aches, pain, fatigue, swelling, tingling, paresthesia, bursting pain and venous claudication from prolonged inflammation; spider veins, varicose veins, cyanosis, venous ulcerations, pigmentation
Phlegmesia cerula dolens
painful blue inflammation–clots in leg veins completely block leg veins causing lots of swelling, deep pain, and cyanosis; can lead to gangrene
