Final answer:
For patients with Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, alternative anticoagulants such as direct thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors are used for VTE prophylaxis.
Step-by-step explanation:
For medically ill and hospitalized patients with Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), the use of heparin is contraindicated due to the risk of thrombosis. Alternative anticoagulants like direct thrombin inhibitors (e.g., dabigatran) or factor Xa inhibitors (e.g., rivaroxaban and apixaban) are typically indicated. These medications do not have the same risk of inducing HIT and can safely be used for VTE prophylaxis in this patient population.