Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis

Patients must be educated as to signs and symptoms suggesting VTE (e.g., swelling, pain, redness, or venous distension in a limb, as well as pleuritic chest pain or dyspnoea) because 75% of postoperative VTE occurs following discharge from hospital. Patients should be instructed to consult their physician immediately if they experience any of these symptoms or if they experience necrotic reactions at an injection site, because this may suggest heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Finally, patients should seek immediate medical attention for symptoms suggesting a severe allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Early mobilisation should be encouraged to diminish the likelihood of developing a VTE. If long-term prophylaxis is given, pre-arranging for patients to practise injections or for community-based organisations to be involved in giving the injections is recommended.