The Development of a Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

Concepts of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders
Name
Department
Course
Instructor
Due Date
Concepts of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders
An 81-year-old obese female patient who 48 hours post-op left total hip replacement. The patient has had severe nausea and vomiting and has been unable to go to physical therapy. Her mucus membranes are dry. The patient says the skin on her left leg is too tight. Exam reveals a swollen, tense, and red colored calf. The patient has a duplex ultrasound which reveals the presence of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).Question:1. Given the history of the patient explain what contributed to the development of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms and obstructs the deep vein. These clots mainly develop in the legs and the thigh, pelvis, and even the arm. If the clots travel to the lungs, they can cause pulmonary thromboembolism (PE). The risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) increases after total hip replacement (THR) surgery. Changes in skin color that is reddish (erythema) indicate there has been a problem of blood clotting. 
Among the risk factors associated with DVT are age and the risk increases after 40 years, obesity, prolonged immobilization, and surgery. Obesity increases the risk of inflammation, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, affecting the bl...