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Deep Vein Thrombosis

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What is Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis/Thrombosis (DVT)? It is categorized as peripheral neurovascular dysfunction. DVT generates from a thrombus, a blood clot that can result from an injury to the tissues or in a patient that has quick- clotting factors in their blood. When a thrombus is present, the body replies with an inflammatory response. The response mechanism is called thrombophlebitis. DVT occurs deeper in the veins and can be serious, potentially causing a life-threatening condition called a Pulmonary Embolus (PE).
DVT prophylaxis etiology
The etiology for DVT prophylaxis is typically high-risk patients, to include those who have had hip surgery, knee arthroscopy or open prostatectomy. However, other risk factors such as prolonged periods …show more content…
DVT prophylaxis can be prevented by a variety of measures such as: medication, lab testing, and circulation (Edwards, 2014). The specific medications that are used to prevent DVT prophylaxis are classified as an anticoagulant, or a blood thinner, and can be administered orally and/or parenterally. These medications are: warfarin, rivaroxaban, heparin, fondaparinux, dalteparin, enoxaparin, and argatroban (Vallerand & Sanoski, 2013). Another preventative measure is to pay special attention the lab results ordered. If a protein C- protein S is ordered, these tests are pertinent in providing coagulation data. However, protein C does not work on the binding site of Factor V Leiden. Factor V Leiden is a rare but important test for an individual that has a genetic or hereditary risk factor of DVT. The D-dimer test assesses thrombin and plasmin activity and the levels will be increased if DVT is present. Other diagnostic measures taken are a type of ultrasound called duplex scanning. The duplex detects the sound waves from the veins and will show a blockage or occlusion. A more invasive diagnostic study is a venography of the lower extremities, an X-ray with contrast dye. The dye is injected into the veins and when an obstruction shows on the X-ray, one is able to determine if there is an issue with DVT or not. (Pagana & Pagana, 2013). Circulation is a major factor in preventing DVT. Therefore, one needs to ambulate …show more content…
(2014). Nursing diagnosis handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care (Tenth ed., pp. 608-609). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.
Anonymous. (2011, October 28). How Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated? Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health- topics/topics/dvt/treatment.html
Edwards, B. (Ed.). (2014, July 3). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein- thrombosis/basics/prevention/con-20031922
Ignatavicius, D., & Workman, L. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (7th ed., p. 798, 1017). St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders.
Pagana, K., & Pagana, T. (2013). Mosby's diagnostic and laboratory test reference (11th ed., pp. 338-339, 767-768, 975-979). St. Louis: Elsevier.
Vallerand, A., & Sanoski, C. (2013). Davis's drug guide for nurses (Thirteenth ed., p. 177, 595, 644, 647, 1120, 1299). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis

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