Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious and costly complication of surgery. Many cases of health care-associated VTE could be prevented with the use of evidenced-based interventions. Perioperative nurses are in a position to advocate for patients by assessing each patient’s risk for VTE and implementing preventive measures, such as administering anticoagulants as ordered and correctly applying graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices. The updated AORN “Guideline for prevention of venous thromboembolism” provides guidance to perioperative team members for developing and implementing a protocol for VTE prevention. This article focuses on key points of the guideline that address preoperative patient assessment for VTE and bleeding risk, safe use of pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis, patient education on prevention and signs and symptoms of VTE, and a quality management program to evaluate VTE prophylaxis outcomes and protocol compliance. Perioperative nurses should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.
Key words: venous thromboembolism, blood clot, mechanical prophylaxis, anticoagulation, pulmonary embolism.