DVT and the Elderly

Research Paper # 102898

DVT and the Elderly

A look at the most appropriate non-medical nursing intervention to prevent the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among surgery patients through a review of three artices.

1,095 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

Graduated compression stockings are widely used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but their use in clinical practice is variable and is usually not as effective as research suggests. This paper discusses the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent the incidence of deep vein thrombosis among postoperative elderly patients with hip fracture by reviewing three articles consisting of quantitative, qualitative, and systematic research. Using specific criteria to assess each article, the paper determines which article is the most useful.

Outline:
Relevance and Significance
Summary of Evidence
Research Problem
Purpose
The Studies
Qualitative
Quantitative
Systematic
Implications for Practice
Strategies to Change Practice
Appendix A
Appendix B

From the Paper:

"The American Nurses Association (2006) conducted a systematic study where the focused research question was: Are graduated compression stockings effective for the prevention of DVT? The criteria were that definite conclusions about effectiveness had to be possible. The criteria were appropriate and clear since samples had to be large and below-knee stockings evaluated. It is not likely any relevant studies were missed since the research was done by the American Nurses Association (2006) to guide practice. The validity was carefully appraised to the extent that all the studies were discarded. The results were not similar. They were divided into two groups: stockings versus no stockings and stockings combined with another preventive measure. It was the difference between studies that caused the problem. "

Sample of Sources Used:

American Nurses Association (ANA) (2006). Graduated compression stockings: Prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism is crucial. American Journal of Nursing, 106 (2), 72AA-72DD.
Hayes, J., C. Lehman & Castonguay, P. (2002). Graduated compression stockings: Updating practice, improving compliance. MedSurg Nursing 11 (4), 163-169.
Sprigg, N. & Gray, L. (2004). Compression stockings and the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism. Evidence Based Practice Information Sheets for Health Professionals, 5(2), 1-19.