A 65-year-old is post-op day 1 from a hip arthroplasty. Whic… | MyMerci
NCLEX-RN ROR
Question

A 65-year-old is post-op day 1 from a hip arthroplasty. Which nursing action best supports DVT prophylaxis based on current evidence?

Explanation
Post-op DVT prophylaxis after hip arthroplasty combines pharmacologic (LMWH such as enoxaparin, DOAC, or fondaparinux) with mechanical (SCDs when in bed) AND early ambulation as cleared by surgery. Choice 1 (massage) can dislodge an undetected clot and is dangerous. Choice 2 (strict bed rest) maximizes Virchow's triad (stasis) and INCREASES DVT risk. Choice 4 (hold one if doing the other) is wrong — multimodal prophylaxis is additive in high-risk patients (hip, knee, hip fracture, major cancer surgery).

In-depth explanation

Hip and knee arthroplasty are the highest-risk procedures for DVT — multimodal prophylaxis is standard. The "stop one prophylaxis when starting another" trap is wrong; pharmacologic AND mechanical AND early ambulation are added together. The single most lethal DVT prevention error remains "patient is ambulating now, hold the LMWH" — it is not.

Clinical scenario

65-year-old, post-op day 1 from total hip arthroplasty. Pain controlled with PCA. The provider has ordered enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily and sequential compression devices (SCDs) when not ambulating.

Key concepts

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For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.