Congress Abstracts 2004

62

THE NURSE’S ROLE AS EDUCATOR IN THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS. Maria G. Pacis, APRN, BC, MS, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is characterized by inflammation and thrombus formation that blocks blood flow into veins. Approximately 600,000 hospitalizations yearly are attributed to DVT, some of which result in pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening complication. Common presenting symptoms of DVT are unilateral lower extremity edema, tenderness, intermittent pain, and a warm-to-touch extremity. In our institution, the diagnostic procedure performed to diagnose DVT is compression Doppler flow studies.

At this inpatient gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary unit, we encounter patients admitted for the management of DVT, PE, and patients who develop DVTs while hospitalized. The treatment of DVT presents as a medical problem and also a quality-of-life and economic issue. At this NCI-designated cancer center, a multidisciplinary team is employed to facilitate these goals.

Treatments for DVT include the administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with the oral administration of warfarin and placement of an inferior vena cava filter when indicated. LMWH prevents the further extension of the clot and formation of new thrombi. For nursing, the management focuses on understanding the disease process, treatment, and its complications in facilitating optimal outcomes. The nurse can then impart this knowledge through patient/caregiver teaching.

Astute nursing assessment skills are essential in identifying patients who develop DVT so that interventions are implemented early. Nurse’s collaboration with the medical staff and support disciplines ensures optimal patient care for those diagnosed and treated for DVT. Nurses play a pivotal role in educating patients about safe administration of anticoagulant therapy, monitoring for DVT complications, and possible recurrence.

This presentation will explore (1) the multidisciplinary approach in managing patients diagnosed with DVT, (2) the economic implication of prolonged hospitalization as a result of being diagnosed and treated for DVT, (3) the nurse’s role in the safe and effective teaching plan in the management of patients with DVT who are discharged on anticoagulant therapy, (4) complications associated with treatment, and (5) the impact of DVT and its treatment on patient’s quality of life.