title: Minimizing venous thromboembolic complications in the orthopaedic patient.
abstract: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE), which include deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE), are the most common life-threatening complications associated with orthopaedic surgical procedures. DVT is particularly prevalent in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty, occurring at a rate of 50 to 60%. In addition, up to 2% of orthopaedic patients receiving pharmacologic prophylaxis still develop PE. Because the majority of candidates for these procedures are older adults with a multitude of comorbid conditions, standard prophylactic practices may not always result in optimal clinical outcomes. Thus, it is important for nurses to have a general understanding of appropriate thromboprophylaxis. This article will provide an overview of the current recommended guidelines and explore the risks and benefits of both pharmacologic agents and adjunctive treatment modalities.
authors.affiliation: Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D014859:Warfarin