Question

(I appreciate if you can type the answer.)

Patient A.B. is a 70-year-old male who had a right total knee replacement done yesterday. His past medical history includes osteoarthritis, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and GERD. During your initial shift assessment, the patient is noted to have swelling in his right calf and reports tenderness to touch in the calf region. You ask him to dorsi/plantar flex his right foot against resistance from your hand, and he indicates that the pain in his calf worsens with flexion. You suspect the patient has a DVT.

1. What should nurses do for all surgical patients to help prevent the development of a DVT?

2. What are the goals of treatment for a DVT? What type of medication would you anticipate as a treatment for DVT?

3. How might you instruction patient A.B. in further self-care during his recovery?

Answer 1

1) nurses intervention to prevent DVT after surgery:-

* Provide comfort by elevation of the affected extremity

*Use of compression stocking

*Warm application

*Positioning and exercise , active and passice exercises

*Early ambulation if not contraindicated

*Pharmacological treatment

2) goals of treatment of DVT:-

*Demonstrat increased perfusion as individually appropriate.

*Proper communication and understanding of condition , therapy, regimen,side effects of medications.

*Engage in behaviours or lifestyle changes to increase level of ease

*Verbalise sense if comfort or contentment

*Maintain or increase strength and function of affected and or compensatory body part.

3)medical management in DVT:-

*Unfractionated heparin

*Low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin , enoxaparin)

*Oral anticoagulants (warfarin)

*Factor Xa inhibitors. (Fondaparinux)

*Thrombolytic therapy

4) further self care / home care during his recovery:-

*Drug education:- should teach about the prescribed antocoagulant, it's purpose ,correct amount, and time

*Blood test:- patient should be aware about the importance of periodic checkup to determine the accurate dose of drug

*Avoid alcohol

*Activity:-explain the importance of elevating the legs and exercising adequately.