DVT Prophylaxis in the Perioperative Setting

Abstract

This is the first of a two-part article in which Agnes Arnold examines the role of the perioperative nurse in the prophylaxis of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This part discusses the pathophysiology of DVT and the methods of assessing an individual's risk of developing the disorder. Part 2, which will appear in the September edition of BJPN, will deal with prophylaxis of DVT. It will critically analyse the research, cost-effectiveness, side-effects and target patient population of each prophylactic regimen.