Number
|
Statement
|
Key Phrase
|
1
|
Physical therapists should advocate for a culture of mobility and physical activity unless medical contraindications for mobility exist.
(Evidence Quality: I, Recommendation Strength: Strong)
|
Advocate for a Culture of Mobility and Physical Activity
|
2
|
Physical therapists should screen for risk of VTE during the initial patient interview and physical examination (Evidence Quality: I ; Recommendation Strength: Strong)
|
Screen for Risk of VTE
|
3
|
Physical therapists should provide preventive measures for patients who are identified as high risk for LE DVT. These measures should include education regarding signs/symptoms of LE DVT, activity, hydration, mechanical compression and referral for medication.
(Evidence Quality: I, Recommendation Strength: Strong)
|
Provide Preventive Measures for LE DVT
|
4
|
Physical therapists should recommend mechanical compression (e.g., intermittent pneumatic compression and/or graduated compression stockings) when individuals are at high risk of LE DVT.
(Evidence Quality: I, Recommendation Strength: Strong )
|
Recommend Mechanical Compression as a Preventive Measure for LE DVT
|
5
|
Physical therapists should establish the likelihood of a LE DVT when the patient presents with pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, and/or discoloration in the lower extremity.
(Evidence Quality: II; Recommendation Strength: Moderate)
|
Identify the Likelihood of LE DVT When Signs and Symptoms are Present
|
6
|
Physical therapists should recommend further medical testing after the completion of the Wells’ Criteria for LE DVT prior to mobilization (Evidence quality: I; Recommendation strength: Strong)
|
Communicate the Likelihood of LE DVT and Recommend Further Medical Testing
|
7
|
When a patient has a recently diagnosed LE DVT, physical therapists should verify if the patient is taking an anticoagulant medication, what type of anticoagulant medication, and when the anticoagulant medication was initiated.
(Evidence Quality: V; Recommendation Strength: Theoretical/foundational)
|
Verify the Patient is Taking an Anticoagulant
|
8
|
When a patient has a recently diagnosed LE DVT, physical therapists should initiate mobilization when therapeutic threshold levels of anticoagulants have been reached.
(Evidence Quality: I, Recommendation Strength: Strong)
|
Mobilize Patients who are at a Therapeutic Level of Anticoagulation
|
9
|
Physical therapists should recommend mechanical compression (e.g., intermittent pneumatic compression &/or graduated compression stockings) when a patient has a LE DVT.
(Evidence Quality: II, Recommendation Strength: Moderate)
|
Recommend Mechanical Compression for Patients with LE DVT
|
10
|
Physical therapists should recommend that patients be mobilized, once hemodynamically stable, following inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement.
(Evidence Quality: V; Recommendation Strength: P-Best Practice)
|
Mobilize Patients post IVC filter placement once hemodynamically stable
|
11
|
When a patient with a documented LE DVT below the knee is NOT treated with anticoagulation and does NOT have an IVC filter and is prescribed out of bed mobility by the physician, the physical therapist should consult with the medical team regarding mobilizing versus keeping the patient on bed rest.
(Evidence Quality: V; Recommendation Strength: P – Best Practice).
|
Consult with the Medical Team when a Patient is not Anticoagulated or Without an IVC filter
|
12
| |
