DVT Prevention for the Obese Patient: Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions

Obesity is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and as obesity increases, DVT rates will also elevate. The purpose of this article is to assist nurses in correctly selecting evidence-based interventions found effective in preventing DVT formation. To promote full understanding of this disease process, pathophysiologic changes associated with obesity will be linked with current research-based therapies of anticoagulation, compression therapy, and mobilization. A call for future research is proffered in multiple areas, to include assessment, determination of interventional effectiveness, and establishment of outcome measurements for both surgical and medical obese populations.