It is venous thrombosis and inflammation in a deep vein.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
It is caused by Virchow's triad:
Vessel wall injury (c.g., cigarette smoking)
Venous stasis (c.g. prolonged bedrest)
Hypercoagulability of the blood (e.g., use of contraceptive pills, dehydration, hyperglycemia)
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT is potentially life - threatening because it may lead to pulmonaryembolism.
DVT
The clinical manifestations of DVT are as follows:
Calf - pain (+Homan's sign)
Tenderness
Palpable induration (redness) along the course of the vein.
Edema
Collaborative management for DVT
Medical management
Anticoagulants: Heparin, Coumadin
Thrombolytics. Disintegrate blood clot
Collaborative management for DVT
Medical management
Anticoagulant - inhibits clot formation
Collaborative management for DVT
Surgical management
Thromboembolectomy - surgical removal of blood clot with the use of balloon tipped catheter
Collaborative management for DVT
Surgical management
Greenfield vena cava filter and umbrella filter - these are inserted in the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary embolism in clients with thromboembolism.
DVT
Nursing interventions
Bed rest for 5 to 7 days.
Elevate legs to promote venous return and to prevent edema.
Apply compression support stockings. It is applied before getting out of bed in the morning. It should be inverted to facilitate application.
Avoid prolonged standing and sitting.
Check pulse distal to the site of thrombosis, to assess for circulatory blockage.
