Understanding the use of thromboprophylaxis for patients with lower limb immobilisation.

Thomson, Kirsty Limeira

Why you should read this article: • To understand how lower limb immobilisation creates a risk of deep vein thrombosis and the individual risk factors that can compound this risk • To familiarise yourself with the methods of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis that may be used • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, causing disruption or complete occlusion of blood flow. People who require lower limb immobilisation – for example after an injury such as metatarsal fracture, Achilles tendon rupture or malleolar fracture – are at increased risk of DVT, since epithelial injury and stasis will be present. Various patient-related and admission-related risk factors can further increase the risk of DVT. It is crucial that patients are individually assessed to determine their risk of DVT and their need for pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. This article discusses the indications for lower limb immobilisation, the mechanisms by which lower limb immobilisation creates a risk of DVT and the individual risk factors that compound the risk of thrombosis. It also outlines the importance of individualised risk assessments, the methods of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and the nurse’s role in providing patient education.

HEMORRHAGE risk factors; THROMBOEMBOLISM risk factors; RISK assessment; CHEMOPREVENTION; CONTINUING education units; NURSES; PATIENT education; PULMONARY embolism; LEG; OCCUPATIONAL roles; VENOUS thrombosis; VEINS; CERTIFICATION; METATARSUS injuries; DECISION making in clinical medicine; BONE fractures; PROFESSIONAL employee training; ACHILLES tendon rupture; EMERGENCY nursing; THERAPEUTIC immobilization; ANKLE fractures; NEEDS assessment; INDIVIDUALIZED medicine; DISEASE risk factors; DISEASE complications; SYMPTOMS

Emergency Nurse, 2024, Vol 32, Issue 6, p34

1354-5752

Academic Journal

10.7748/en.2024.e2206