Final answer:
The appropriate action to prevent clot development in a patient with a history of DVT and on anticoagulants requiring surgery is to place a sequential compression device on the lower extremities. This helps improve venous blood flow without increasing the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure a clot does not develop in a patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and on anticoagulants requiring surgery, it is essential to balance the risk of clotting with the risk of bleeding. Administering a subcutaneous anticoagulant preoperatively may not be the safest option as the patient is already taking anticoagulants and would require careful adjustment to avoid excessive bleeding during surgery. Continuation of the current anticoagulation therapy might also pose a similar risk. Drawing a PT/PTT (prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time) will help assess the patient's clotting status but sending the patient to surgery without adjusting the anticoagulants might not be sufficient to prevent clot development.
Therefore, the most appropriate action would be option C: Place a sequential compression device on lower extremities. This mechanical prophylaxis reduces the risk of DVT by improving venous blood flow in the legs and thus reducing stasis, without increasing the risk of bleeding. This intervention, combined with careful monitoring and potential adjustment of anticoagulation following PT/PTT results, should be part of the care plan for a patient with such risks undergoing surgery.