Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Protocol

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Protocol
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Basic Definition of Deep Vein Thrombosis with Signs and Symptoms

A deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (defined as a clump of blood) forms in a deep vein of the leg or another location. A blood clot can be dangerous, since it can break and travel to local body systems, including the pulmonary system, where it may settle in the lungs. A vein thrombosis may be considered a medical emergency.

A patient may experience symptoms of a thrombosis. Some symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis may include tenderness felt when the leg is pressed with a slight warmth to the skin and pain. However, a patient may not recognize the symptoms and prevention techniques can reduce the probability of a patient receiving a vein thrombosis.

Prevention Protocols Used to Reduce Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis prevention protocol has been established to provide important health information to medical teams at doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals. These medical teams may include general physicians, specialty physicians such as cardiologists and pulmonologists, therapists and nurses.

Some patients may be more likely to experience a deep vein thrombosis. For example, patients who have experienced prior deep vein thrombosis may experience additional episodes. Other factors may include circulatory problems such as high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia.

For a hospitalized, high-risk patient, a medical assessment is performed by a health care provider to help identify the probable patient risk and track this medical information. The patient’s physician can review all risk factors and decide on medical treatment.

A common deep vein thrombosis prevention protocol is providing medication to the patient. This medical therapy may consists of anticoagulants, which are prescribed drugs used to reduce blood clots. The anticoagulant dosage is based on the patient’s overall health and this can allow a high-risk patient better peace of mind.

Low-risk patients may receive general nursing monitoring instead of medical therapy. The defined risk patterns help provide the iof the initial medical protocol to monitor treatment. Also, this keeps the anticoagulants available to specific patients, which can help reduce the high costs of medical care.

A vein thrombosis can be minimized and keep a patient from experiencing pain with the help of skilled health care professionals.

Sources: Deep Vein Thrombosis: Clinical Nursing Management