Deep vein thrombosis risk and preventive nursing practices in surgical patients: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major life-threatening complication in surgical patients. It is the responsibility of the surgical team (including the nurse) to determine the risk of DVT. The nurses play an important role in the identification and management of DVT risks.

This study aims to evaluate the risk of DVT and the implementation of preventive nursing practices among patients hospitalized in surgical wards.

The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent inpatient surgical procedures in the surgical wards of Orthopedics and Traumatology, General Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery of a university hospital during a six-month period from October 2023 to March 2024. Data were collected using the "Introductory Information and Nursing Interventions Identification Form" and the "Autar Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Assessment Scale".

During the postoperative period, 31.6 % of patients were mobilized within the first 8 h, 64.5 % used graduated compression stockings, 92.3 % did not receive intermittent pneumatic compression, 66.5 % received anticoagulant medication, and 52.3 % did not perform foot and leg exercises. The mean total score of the Autar DVT Risk Assessment Scale was 12.03±4.29. According to the Autar DVT Risk Assessment Scale, 29 % of the patients were classified as high risk for deep vein thrombosis. Of the patients with high risk for DVT, 17.8 % underwent mobilization within the first 8 h, 64.5 % underwent graduated compression, 8.9 % underwent intermittent pneumatic compression, 84.4 % received anticoagulant, and 40 % performed foot and leg exercises.

The study results suggest that preventive nursing practices for DVT are consistent with evidence-based practices. Standardizing mobilization protocols, incorporating foot and leg exercises, and using evidence-based checklists are recommended for the prevention of DVT.