Question

11. A woman presents to your hospital complaining of pain in her left lower leg. You notice the area is tender to touch, red, and swollen. She is diagnosed with a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This is her fourth DVT within 2 months. If the woman asked you why she had had another DVT, what are some explanations you could give her? If the woman was prescribed anticoagulant drug therapy, how might you explain to her the hemostasis mechanism behind this therapy?

Answer 1

DVT : Thrombosis in the deep veins of the leg is a common problem. But occasionally in an upper limb. DVT mostly accompanied by pain and swelling, but is often asymptomatic.
Why she having recurrence of DVT in her lower limb means several factors presents that are Reduced rate of blood flow, Changes in the blood, Damage to the blood vessel wall.

1.Reduced rate of blood flow: immobility along with prolonged bed rest, pressure on veins in the popliteal region e.g., a pillow under the knees in bed or sitting in a chair for long periods, as in long journeys.prolonged low blood pressure, as in shock.

2.Changes in the blood: increased blood viscosity e.g.,dehydration, polycythaemia

3.Damage to the blood vessel wall : its result in intravascular clotting, e.g., accidental injury, surgery

Anticoagulant therapy if give to her means the possibilities of getting DVT again is reduced because these medications are given for decrease the blood viscosity to reduce the risk of getting DVT again. Anticoagulants are also called as blood thinners. Some of them are Heparin, Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, Apixaban, Edoxaban, Enoxaparin, Fondaparinux these are most common drugs used as anticoagulants.