
However, research has shown that bed rest increases one’s VTE risk.
Previously, the thinking was to limit a patient’s activity to prevent a DVT from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs. In addition to being over the age of 40 and being a smoker, we know that having one or more of the following conditions may also lead to VTE:Īny time a patient has limited physical activity, there is a risk of developing a VTE. What is the most important thing I can do as a patient to help prevent getting a blood clot?Īmy Campbell: Hospitalized patients or any bedbound patients are at risk of getting a VTE. VTE is a common occurrence in hospitalized patients. Campbell about what patients and their caregivers can do to prevent VTE.
Campbell has drastically decreased the rate of VTE.Īs blood clots are often preventable, I spoke with Dr.
Blood clots are a leading cause of death in people with cancer after cancer itselfĪmy Campbell, PhD, RN, CPHQ, LSBB, is a quality nurse specialist at Vidant Health in North Carolina. PE is a leading cause of death in women during pregnancy or just after having a baby. As many as 100,000 people die of blood clots each year. VTE is a term that is comprised of two medical conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in one or more of the deep veins in the body (usually in the legs), and pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a blood clot in a pulmonary artery in the lungs. © Copyright Merative 2023 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.The CDC estimates that almost 1 million Americans suffer from venous thromboembolism (VTE), also known as blood clots. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. The above information is an educational aid only. You always have the right to refuse treatment. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You have the right to help plan your care. They may need to make sure the SCDs are attached correctly or adjust the tubing. Let your healthcare providers know if the alarm goes off. Tell them if you have discomfort or pain while wearing the SCDs. PHOTOS OF PATIENTS WEARING SEQUENTIAL COMPRESSION DEVICES SKIN
Healthcare providers will remove the sleeves and check your skin frequently. Good skin care is important when you wear SCDs.You will need to have them removed before you get up to walk, go to the bathroom, or bathe. Wear your SCDs as directed by your healthcare provider.SCDs are often used after surgery until you can get up and walk. The pumping action acts like your muscles to help blood flow and prevent clots. The sleeves are attached to a pump that inflates and deflates the sleeves. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are inflatable sleeves that fit around your legs.