Week 7 - DVT and PE Flashcards
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot that forms in a deep vein of the leg or pelvis either partially or totally blocking the flow of blood.
What is Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Deep vein thrombosis or part of it break off from the vein
- The break away clot travels through the bloodstream, to the heart and migrates towards the lung
- The clot blocks a vessel in the lung, interrupting blood supply
What are the symptoms of DVT
- Asymptomatic
OR - Symptomatic:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
What are the symptoms of PE
- Chest pain
- Dyspnoea
- Low oxygen saturation
- Haemoptysis
- Anxiety
What are VTE prevention plans?
- Early mobilisation
- Hydration
- Deep breathing exercises
- Leg exercises; avoid crossing legs
- Patient / family education
- Mechanical interventions
- Pharmacological treatments
How should you do a risk assessment for VTE?
- Assess the risk using a validated tool
- within 24 hours of pt being admitted
- regularly, as clinically relevant, as a minimum every 7 days
- When clinical condition changes
- transfer of care
- Document
What is Mechanical Prophylaxis
Devices that increase blood flow velocity in leg veins, reducing venous stasis.
What is Graduated Compression Stockings (GCS)
- Provide graduated compression, which is firmest at the ankle.
- Used mainly for ambulant patients
What is Anti-embolic Stocking
- Standard compression throughout.
- Used for bedbound or non-ambulant patients
What is Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device (IPC)
- Inflatable garment wrapped around legs which is inflated by pneumatic pump
- Enhances venous return
What is Foot Impulse Device (FID)
- Stimulates legs veins to mimic walking and reduce stasis
- Used for immobilised patients
What are contraindications for mechanical interventions?
- Skin ulceration
- Severe PVD
- Massive oedema
- Morbid obesity
- Lower leg trauma/deformity
- Stroke patients
- Peripheral neuropathy
Assessment and documentation of mechanical interventions for DVT?
- Twice daily monitoring of mechanical prophylaxis to ensure stockings are applied correctly – not rolled down, twisted
- Check for skin integrity - colour, warmth, pulse, pressure injury
- Check that stockings are being worn
What are pharmacological prophylaxis?
Anticoagulants
- Alter the process of blood coagulation to prevent VTE
What are considerations when caring for a person on anticoagulants?
- Fainting
- Headaches
- Bloody sputum / nosebleeds
- Pink-tinged urine
- abdominal pain
- Bruises
- Anemia
- Joint pain
- Prolonged bleeding
