Nursing interventions for deep vein thrombosis include compression stockings or elastic bandages and which of the following?

Nursing interventions for deep vein thrombosis include compression stockings or elastic bandages and which of the following?

• A. Leg and Foot Exercises
• B. Arm stretches
• C. Hydration Therapy
• D. Medication Review

Answer: (A)

Promoting venous return from the legs is essential when managing DVT. Compression stockings or elastic bandages help by increasing external pressure on the leg veins to reduce venous dilation and edema, but they work best when you couple them with calf muscle activity. Leg and foot exercises activate the calf muscles, creating a working venous pump that squeezes the deep veins and propels blood upward toward the heart. This reduces venous stasis, lowers the chance of clot propagation, and complements the compression therapy. Exercises like ankle pumps, foot flexion/extension, toe-raises, and gentle leg movements can be done as tolerated and help maintain circulation, especially for patients limited to bed or chair confinement. Other options don’t directly enhance the leg venous return in the same way—arm stretches don’t impact the leg veins, hydration supports overall health but doesn’t specifically promote the calf-pump mechanism, and medication review focuses on anticoagulation management rather than mechanical venous return.

Promoting venous return from the legs is essential when managing DVT. Compression stockings or elastic bandages help by increasing external pressure on the leg veins to reduce venous dilation and edema, but they work best when you couple them with calf muscle activity. Leg and foot exercises activate the calf muscles, creating a working venous pump that squeezes the deep veins and propels blood upward toward the heart. This reduces venous stasis, lowers the chance of clot propagation, and complements the compression therapy.

Exercises like ankle pumps, foot flexion/extension, toe-raises, and gentle leg movements can be done as tolerated and help maintain circulation, especially for patients limited to bed or chair confinement. Other options don’t directly enhance the leg venous return in the same way—arm stretches don’t impact the leg veins, hydration supports overall health but doesn’t specifically promote the calf-pump mechanism, and medication review focuses on anticoagulation management rather than mechanical venous return.