Deep Vein Thrombosis

Ibrahim R. Ayasreh
Jerash University
Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT)
 Clinical manifestations of DVT

 Edema and swelling of the extremity because the outflow of venous

blood is inhibited.
 Tenderness, which usually occurs later, is produced by inflammation
of the vein wall and can be detected by gently palpating the affected
extremity.
 Homans’ sign (pain in the calf after the foot is sharply dorsiflexed) is
not specific for deep vein thrombosis because it can be elicited in any
painful condition of the calf.
 Thrombosis of superficial veins produces pain or tenderness,
redness, and warmth in the involved area.
Edema
 Medical treatment of DVT

 Anticoagulation therapy:
- Heparin: to prevent formation of deep vein thrombosis.
- Thrombolytic therapy : such as streptokinase, used to
dissolve and lyse already existed
thrombus

 Thrombectomy: surgical removal of the thrombosis.

 Nursing management

 Assessing and monitoring anticoagulation therapy.

 Providing comfort:
- Bed rest.
- Elevation of the affected extremity.
- Elastic compression stockings.
- Analgesics for pain relief
-Warm, moist packs applied to the affected extremity.
 Nursing management
 Positioning the body and encouraging exercises:
- When the patient is on bed rest, the feet and lower legs should be elevated
periodically above the level of the heart.
- Active and passive leg exercises, particularly those involving calf muscles,
should be performed to increase venous flow.
- Early ambulation is most effective in preventing venous stasis.
- Deep-breathing exercises are beneficial because they produce increased
negative pressure in the thorax, which assists in emptying the large veins.
- Walking at least 10 minutes every 1 to 2 hours.
Elastic compression socks