Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Exam A+ Pass
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1. Explain the deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot
(thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause
leg pain or swelling but also can occur with no symptoms.
2. What are the signs and symptoms?: - Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there's swelling in both
legs.
- Pain in your leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness.
- Red or discolored skin on the leg.
- A feeling of warmth in the affected leg
3. What are the risk factors?: - Age. Being older than 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at
any age.
- Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying. When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles
don't contract. Muscle contractions normally help blood circulate.
- Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis. Blood clots can form in the calves of your legs if
your calf muscles don't move for long periods.
- Injury or surgery. Injury to your veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited clotting
disorder are especially at risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after you have
your baby.
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both can increase your blood's ability to clot.
- Being overweight or obese. Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs.
- Smoking. Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase your risk of DVT.
- Cancer. Some forms of cancer increase substances in your blood that cause your blood to clot. Some forms of cancer
treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
- Heart failure. This increases your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited
heart and lung function, the symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, increase the risk of DVT.
- A personal or family history of DVT or PE. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you might
be at greater risk of developing DVT.
- Genetics. Some people inherit genetic risk factors or disorders, such
4. What labs should you monitor?: D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood
clots. Almost all people with severe DVT have increased blood levels of D dimer. A normal result on a D-dimer test often
can help rule out PE.
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Study online at https://quizlet.com/_i3l2ea
1. Explain the deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot
(thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause
leg pain or swelling but also can occur with no symptoms.
2. What are the signs and symptoms?: - Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there's swelling in both
legs.
- Pain in your leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness.
- Red or discolored skin on the leg.
- A feeling of warmth in the affected leg
3. What are the risk factors?: - Age. Being older than 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at
any age.
- Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying. When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles
don't contract. Muscle contractions normally help blood circulate.
- Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis. Blood clots can form in the calves of your legs if
your calf muscles don't move for long periods.
- Injury or surgery. Injury to your veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited clotting
disorder are especially at risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after you have
your baby.
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both can increase your blood's ability to clot.
- Being overweight or obese. Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs.
- Smoking. Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase your risk of DVT.
- Cancer. Some forms of cancer increase substances in your blood that cause your blood to clot. Some forms of cancer
treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
- Heart failure. This increases your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited
heart and lung function, the symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, increase the risk of DVT.
- A personal or family history of DVT or PE. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you might
be at greater risk of developing DVT.
- Genetics. Some people inherit genetic risk factors or disorders, such
4. What labs should you monitor?: D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood
clots. Almost all people with severe DVT have increased blood levels of D dimer. A normal result on a D-dimer test often
can help rule out PE.
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