The management of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a common complication of cancer and an important cause of preventable mortality in people with cancer. Because VTE can be clinically silent, fatal PE generally occurs without warning, and preventive measures are, therefore, necessary in high-risk patients. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of low-molecular-weight heparins in the treatment and prevention of VTE in patients with cancer, in addition to non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing thrombotic risk. Nurses have an important role in helping to identify patients at risk of developing VTE, and in the implementation of preventive or therapeutic regimens, and monitoring the development of complications. Furthermore, nurses are in an ideal position to educate patients on the importance of preventive measures and to help ensure compliance with thromboprophylactic interventions.
Dolan
Shelley
S
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Fitch
Margaret
M
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002423:Cause of Death; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009017:Morbidity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012307:Risk Factors; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight