While obtaining a patient history, the patient tells you that she has a history of DVT.
What does “DVT” stand for?
Explanation
Answer: A - The abbreviation DVT stands for “deep vein thrombosis,” which is a blood clot. People with a history of this condition are typically on medication to prevent a reoccurrence, so it is important to find out what medication that they are taking. People at higher risk for DVT are sedentary, post-surgery, on birth control hormones or smokers. DVT presents a life risk because a portion of the clot (thrombus) can break loose and travel (becoming an embolus) back towards the heart, lungs, or brain, where it may lodge and compromise circulation and perfusion, leading to disability and death.
