Page 30 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide

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