DVTs and PEs

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Just had a question on PEs and DVTs. So why is it that some people with DVTs and PEs are on strict bedrest while others are able to get up and walk around? Same question goes regarding Teds & SCDs as well. Thanks.

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Specializes in tele, stepdown/PCU, med/surg.

Usually the ones with DVTs that are able to walk around have been on anticoagulants (heparin/warfarin) for a little while and it is determined to be "safe" for them to walk around.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

You also have to factor in severity of the DVT or PE- some people with, for example, a saddle emboli are too sick to get up; these are the most likely to cause death. Like OP stated, it's also dependent upon coag status. You don't want a pt who is too therapeutic to fall and risk a bleed. I too think it is sometimes just MD preference.

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