1. DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) BY CJ HEYKOOP AND KAYTLYN JORDAN

2. DEFINITION DVT occurs when a thrombus forms in in one of the deep vein of the body, usually the leg. Contributing factors include clotting issues, immobility potentially r/t surgery or injury, or certain medications. Complications would be if the thrombus broke loose and traveled to another part of the body which could cause postphlebitic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. According to the CDC, as many as 900,000 people could be affected by DVT each year in the United States.

3. IMPLICATIONS The patient will have an extended stay in the hospital and will likely be put on some type of blood thinner throughout stay and possibly long-term. The hospital would have increased acuity, decreased bed turnover, and higher cost of treatment. Increased use of ultrasound, venography, blood testing (lab), and CT or MRI tests.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS The patient with a DVT would be encouraged to wear compression stockings, have a filter placed, and take medications such as blood thinners and clot busters. To prevent DVT from occurring while in the hospitals, use of Sequential Compression Devices (SCD’s). While at home, patients should take prescribed medications, avoid sitting still, make appropriate lifestyle changes, and get regular exercise.

5. NURSING ROLE Assess the patients lower extremities for change in size, swelling, redness, and complaints of pain, numbness, or tingling. If the patient appears to have a DVT, notify the physician and place the patient on bedrest in an attempt to keep the thrombus from breaking free. Once orders are placed, administer prescribed blood thinners and clot busters. Evaluate patient’s extremities for reduction in redness, swelling, and pain.

6. SPECTRUM’S INITIATIVES Teach patients about the importance of staying mobile while hospitalized by either going for walks or doing range of motion exercises.

7. EDUCATIONS MATERIALS Spectrum Health Cardiovascular Health Presentations https://www.spectrumhealth.org/body.cfm?id=5157&fr=true Online Chat - <3 Your Legs http://www.spectrumhealth.org/love-your-legs-chat West Michigan’s Best Heart and Vascular Care http://www.spectrumhealth.org/vascular

8. REFERENCES Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism - Data & Statistics. (2015, March 20). Retrieved June 16, 2015. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). (2015). Retrieved June 16, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein- thrombosis/basics/definition/con-20031922