Pneumatic compression stockings. Preventing deep vein thrombus and pulmonary embolus

As patient advocates, perioperative nurses are vital to the safety and protection of the surgical patient. They are responsible for providing a safe environment and efficient and economical nursing care. Using the treatment options available, they can optimize the patient's surgical experience and postoperative recovery. OR nurses and managers can potentially prevent extended hospital stays and expense for patients by requiring pneumatic compression stockings and anticoagulants as the standard of care in their operating rooms. Prophylaxis is the key to reducing the incidence of DVT and PE. The perioperative nurse, cognizant of the effects of general anesthesia, Virchow's triad, and inherent patient risk factors, can greatly contribute to reducing the incidence of DVT and PE morbidity and mortality by using these treatment modalities as ordered by the attending physician.