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Evidence Based Practice

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Evidence Based Practice Regina Cadenhead Jefferson College Evidence Based Practice Venous thromboembolism refers to the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. While clots can form in an artery or a vein, this article focuses only on clots that occur in a vein ("," 2015). Critically ill patients are at an increased risk of a venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to VTE can manifest as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE). Risk factors include venous stasis, vascular injury, and hypercoagulable disorders. A majority of ICU patients carry at least one risk factor for VTE; additional risk factors are considered to have a cumulative effect…it is impossible to predict which patients will experience a …show more content…

Unfortunately, “VTE comprised of DVT and/or PE represent a serious public health challenge, affecting up to 600,000 Americans annually. The consequences can be deadly; VTE has been identified as the most common cause of preventable mortality in hospitalized patients, accounting for up to 10% of hospital deaths” (Shermock et al., 2013, p. 1) It is imperative that all patients admitted to the ICU should be assessed for VTE. The assessment should be done frequently. It is important to assess both subjective and objective data. Past medical history is very important. It is essential to find out if the patient has any predisposition to a VTE including any trauma to veins, any varicosities, obesity, COPD, HF. Certain medications can also put a patient at risk for VTE such as oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, tamoxifen, or raloxifene. Also, any recent surgeries such as orthopedic, gynecologic, gastric, or urologic and past surgeries involving veins or a central venous catheter can put a patient at risk. Objective data includes fear, anxiety, and pain. Monitor vital signs frequently. Check the integumentary system for symmetry; taut, shiny, warm skin, erythematous, tender to palpation. Not every patient

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