Page 30 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide Mobile

25 25 25 25 Are You At Risk For A A A Blood Clot?
Deep-vein thrombosis or or DVT is is a a a blood clot that forms in in in in a a a vein often in in in the the lower leg or or thigh If the the the blood clot breaks away and travels through the the blood blood stream to an an an artery blocking blood blood ow it can cause death or or damage to the brain heart or or lungs Your risk of developing DVT (a blood clot) is is greater
if you don't move
for long periods such as during a a a a hospital stay Hospital Acquired
Thrombosis (HAT)
is is prevented/treated with anticoagulant (prevent blood clot) therapy drugs or or compression stockings Talk to to to your your doctor about your your risk of developing HAT What Can You Do?
• BE AWARE of any changes in in how you you feel while you you are recovering in the hospital • GET MOVING as as soon as as your doctor says it's okay Moving increases your blood's circulation • TELL your nurse or or doctor if you you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling pain tenderness or or or discoloration in in in legs arm or or or neck
- Sudden coughing that brings up blood - Sharp or stabbing chest pain - Rapid breathing or or sudden
shortness of breath breath even at at at rest
- - Severe light-headedness
At Home
If you have been prescribed blood-thinners (such as Heparin or or Warfarin) or or compression stockings to to take home be sure you understand:
• HOW WHY and WHEN to take your blood-thinner its RISKS and SIDE-EFFECTS
• If you are taking over-the- counter medicines vitamins or supplements that may interfere with your blood-thinner • Food or or drinks to to AVOID or or whether to to take with meals
• The importance of FOLLOW-UP MONITORING while taking blood-thinners • The CORRECT
way to to put on on and wear compression stockings BLOOD CLOT RISK