Deep Vein Thrombus

Question 1

What are the signs and symptoms of DVT?

Answer 1

swelling, warm to touch, pain in leg, red or discoloured skin of the affected leg

Question 2

What are the causes of DVT?

Answer 2

hypercoagulability of blood
vessel wall injury
venous statis of blood

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of DVT?

Answer 3

decreased or mechanically altered blood flow
trauma to the blood vessels stimulate a clotting cascade
platelets aggregate at the site, especially where the venous statis is present
platelets and fibrin form the initial clot
decreased blood flow causes decreased oxygenation and increase in haematocrit
RBC are trapped in the fibrin network
clot may occlude the vessel or embolus may travel to other parts of the body

Question 4

What are some nursing interventions and the rationale for DVT?

Answer 4

administer clean as prescribed - to stop the clot from getting bigger and reduce further clots
elevate legs - to reduce the swelling in the legs
Administer TED stockings as prescribed - to enhance the circulation in the legs
encourage the patient to mobilise - to reduce the risk of a clot forming