Formal Terminology Beginner Internal Medicine

DVT prophylaxis

Formal Definition

Preventive measures against deep vein thrombosis in hospitalized patients: anticoagulation (heparin/enoxaparin) and/or SCDs (sequential compression devices).

How It's Used on the Ward

"Don't forget DVT prophy" - a must-have for every inpatient.

Example

""All inpatients get DVT prophylaxis unless contraindicated. This patient is on therapeutic anticoagulation already, so SCDs only.""

Clinical Context

Forgetting DVT prophylaxis on admission is a classic medical student mistake and a patient safety issue. Make it automatic.

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