Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli in neuroscience patients

Patients with neurologic dysfunction, particularly spinal cord-injured and stroke patients, are at risk for developing thromboembolic complications due to a variety of factors, especially impaired mobility. Venous stasis, altered coagulability and endothelial vessel damage create a triad of pathophysiological changes that place patients at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. Prophylactic use of pneumatic compression boots is highly recommended while administration of anticoagulants remains controversial and varied. Inferior vena cava filters are placed in patients who are high risk for pulmonary emboli. Nursing interventions focus on assessments of risk potential and clinical signs and symptoms and implementation of prevention strategies.