Which preventive measure is recommended for deep venous thrombosis prevention in patients with prolonged immobility?

Which preventive measure is recommended for deep venous thrombosis prevention in patients with prolonged immobility?

• A. Increase fluid intake
• B. Compression stockings
• C. Smoking cessation
• D. Increase exercise

Answer: (B)

The key idea is reducing venous stasis in the legs to prevent clot formation when movement is limited. When people are immobile, blood pools in the deep veins of the legs, increasing the risk of deep venous thrombosis. Applying compression stockings creates a gradient of pressure from the ankle upward, which helps push blood back toward the heart and speeds venous return. This mechanical aid directly counteracts the stasis that drives clot formation, making it the most effective preventive measure in this scenario. Other options don’t address venous pooling as effectively. Simply increasing fluid intake improves hydration but doesn’t directly reduce venous stasis or clotting risk. Smoking cessation lowers overall cardiovascular risk but doesn’t specifically prevent DVT in the setting of immobility. Increasing physical activity isn’t feasible with prolonged immobility, whereas compression stockings offer a practical, targeted approach to maintain venous flow during periods of reduced movement.

The key idea is reducing venous stasis in the legs to prevent clot formation when movement is limited. When people are immobile, blood pools in the deep veins of the legs, increasing the risk of deep venous thrombosis. Applying compression stockings creates a gradient of pressure from the ankle upward, which helps push blood back toward the heart and speeds venous return. This mechanical aid directly counteracts the stasis that drives clot formation, making it the most effective preventive measure in this scenario.

Other options don’t address venous pooling as effectively. Simply increasing fluid intake improves hydration but doesn’t directly reduce venous stasis or clotting risk. Smoking cessation lowers overall cardiovascular risk but doesn’t specifically prevent DVT in the setting of immobility. Increasing physical activity isn’t feasible with prolonged immobility, whereas compression stockings offer a practical, targeted approach to maintain venous flow during periods of reduced movement.