DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness or discoloration of the skin. Risk factors include age over 50, injury, surgery, obesity, family history, and sedentary lifestyle. Treatment involves prevention through early mobilization, compression devices, and blood thinners. Exercises and keeping the affected limb elevated can also help.

1. DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS
DVT
Prepared by
Nursing Instructor
Mrs. Safoora Qureshi
CON, PIMS

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis / DVT
• DVT is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a
deep vein.
• These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they
can also occur in the arm
• Other names associated with this condition may include:
• Thromboembolism
• Post-thrombotic syndrome
• Post phlebitis syndrome

3. Symptoms
• Unilateral swelling on leg
• Cramping pain in affected leg
• that usually begins in calf
• Tenderness on palpation
• Homan’s sign positive
• Extremities pain
• Warm skin,
• Erythema, Skin over the affected area
turning pale or a reddish or bluish color,
depending on skin tone

4. Homan’s Sign Test

5. Causes
• Injury
• Damage to a blood vessel’s wall can narrow or block blood flow, a
blood clot may form as a result.
• Surgery
• Blood vessels can be damaged during surgery, and bed rest after
surgery may also increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
• Reduced mobility or inactivity
• Sedentary life style
• Certain medications
• Hormonal therapy

6. Risk Factors
• Age over 50 years
• Injuries like bone fracture
• Obesity, pressure on the veins in legs and pelvis
• Family history of DVT
• Having a catheter placed in a vein
• Hormone therapy/ birth control pills
• Smoking
• Sedentary life style

7. Collaborative Care
Prevention and prophylaxis
• Early mobilization, is the most cost-effective method to prevent DVT
• Patient on bed rest to be instructed for
• Change of position,
• Dorsiflex their feet, rotate their ankle for every 2 to 4 hrs
• Ambulate the patient at least 3 times a day
• Antiembolism stockings (TED hose) recommended
• To prevent DVT
• Intermittent Compression Devices (ICDs) for hospitalized patients
• To decreased venous stasis, distention and epithelial damage

8. Nonpharmacologic Therapy:
• Strict bed rest for 2 to 3 days
• Elevation of extremities
• Warm compression
Pharmacologic Therapy:
Thrombolytic Drugs/ blood
thinner medication
• Heparin
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

9. Anticoagulant Stocking

10. Surgery
Only recommended in the case of very large clots in arms or legs
• Surgical thrombectomy/ or surgery to remove a blood clot
• Small inflating balloon to keep the blood vessel open while remove the
clot.
• Post surgery complications:
• Infection
• Damage to the blood vessel
• Excess bleeding

11. Exercises for DVT
• Knee pulls
• Bend your leg, and raise your knee toward your chest. Wrap your knee
with your arms for a greater stretch. Hold this position for several seconds,
then do the same exercise on the other side.
• Foot pumps
• Place your feet flat on the floor. Keeping the balls of your feet on the floor,
raise your heels. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your heels.
• Raise the balls of your feet off the floor, keeping your heels in place. Hold
for a few seconds, then lower the balls of your feet.
• Repeat these pumps several times.
• Ankle circles
• Lift both feet off the floor. Draw circles with your toes in one direction for a
few seconds. Switch directions, and draw circles for a few seconds.
• Repeat this exercise several times.

12. Home Remedies
• Move more
• Keep your leg or arm elevated
• This is especially important for the legs. Blood can pool if your feet
are on the ground all day. Use a stool or chair to keep your legs
elevated and close to level with your hips.
• Wear compression stockings
The compression helps prevent pooling and swelling, and it increases
blood flow.