VTE Flashcards
(23 cards)
Venous
thromboembolism (VTE)
The blocking of a blood vessel by a blood clot.
Includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) & pulmonary embolism. (PE)
Thrombus
A blood clot
Embolus
A blockage in vascular flow- usually a thrombus, but can be fat, air
and many other types of blockages
Phlebitis
Inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs.
Most commonly seen in superficial veins.
Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot.
Venous stasis
Slow blood flow in the veins (usually legs).
Associated with long periods of immobility: hospitalisation,
bedrest, sitting for long periods (flying or driving), orthopaedic cast
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- a blood clot (thrombus) 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)
1) a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) or part of it, breaks off them the vein
2) the break away clot travels through the bloodstream, to the heart and migrates towards the lung
3) The clot blocks a vessel in the lung, interrupting blood supply
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms
- May be a symptomatic or
symptomatic (pain, swelling, redness).
Pulmonary embolism (PE) -
medical emergency symptoms
- Signs & symptoms include chest pain,
dyspnoea, low oxygen saturation,
haemoptysis, anxiety.
Develop a VTE prevention plan
based on best practice guidelines
- Early mobilisation
- Hydration
- Deep breathing exercises
- Leg exercises; avoid crossing legs
- Patient / family education
- Mechanical interventions
– Examples? - Pharmacological treatments
– Examples?
Mechanical
prophylaxis
- Graduated compression stockings
- Anti-embolic stocking
- Intermittent Pneumatic compression device
- Foot impulse device
Graduated compression stocking
provide graduated compress, which is firmest at the ankle. Used mainly for ambulant patients
Anti-embolic stocking
Standard compression throughout. Used for bed bound or non-ambulant patient
Intermittent Pneumatic compression device
- Inflatable garment wrapped around legs which is inflated by pneumatic pump. Enhances venous return.
Foot impulse device
- Stimulates leg veins to mimic walking and reduce stasis. Used for immobilised patients.
Contraindications for
mechanical interventions
o Skin ulceration
o Severe peripheral vascular disease
o Massive oedema
o Morbid obesity
o Lower leg trauma/deformity
o Stroke patients
o Peripheral neuropathy
Pharmacological
prophylaxis
- Anticoagulants
- Alter the process of blood
coagulation to prevent
VTE
forma
Subcutaneous enoxaparin
injection
o Abdomen preferred site for anticoagulants
such as enoxaparin and heparin
o Consider product administration
instructions - deep s/c injection; air bubble
o Assess amount of subcutaneous tissue &
inject at a angle 90 degree (or less)
o Do not draw back on syring
Practice points for
subcutaneous
injection
o Consider age, nutritional status,
weight & distribution of
subcutaneous fat
o Use appropriate syringe and
needle length
o Rotate site if injection
administered regularly
o Skin cleaning
o Care of the injection site
Subcutaneous
injection
o Injecting into the subcutaneous
tissue beneath the skin
o Medications are absorbed
slowly, sustained effect
o Less nerve endings &
blood vessels
o 45-90 degree angle
o Small volume
(generally up to 1 mL)
o Heparin, insulin
Subcutaneous
injection sites
-
Factors impacting on
needle selection
o Site of the injection
o Depth of subcutaneous tissue
covering the muscle
o Medication viscosity
o Persons age
