Question

The nurse is reviewing medical reports of four patients. Which patient is at an increased risk for clot formation in the lower extremities after surgery?

A. Patient with a history of regular exercise.
B. Patient with a history of smoking cessation.
C. Patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
D. Patient with a history of a balanced diet.

Answer 1

The patient with a history of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is at an increased risk for clot formation in the lower extremities after surgery. A history of DVT indicates a propensity for blood clot formation, raising the risk for thrombosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient at an increased risk for clot formation in the lower extremities after surgery is the one with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, which can lead to fatal outcomes such as a pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs.

Patients with a history of DVT are known to have an elevated risk for thrombosis due to factors such as venous stasis and potentially an underlying hypercoagulable state known as thrombophilia. This condition can be either genetic or acquired from several factors such as autoimmune diseases, certain reactions to medication, or specific diseases. Moreover, patients who have previously had DVT are likely to have residual damage to the vein walls, which further increases their risk.