Which practice helps prevent DVT in an unconscious patient by moving the legs regularly?

Which practice helps prevent DVT in an unconscious patient by moving the legs regularly?

• A. Foot pumps, ankle circles, and leg raises every 2 hours
• B. Continuous bed rest
• C. High-dose diuretics
• D. Isometric hand exercises only

Answer: (A)

Preventing DVT in an unconscious patient hinges on keeping blood moving through the leg veins even when the person can’t move. Moving the legs regularly activates the muscle pumps in the calves and feet, which squeeze the deep veins and push blood back toward the heart, reducing venous stasis that can lead to clot formation. Foot pumps, ankle circles, and leg raises specifically stimulate this venous return, and doing them every two hours keeps the flow active throughout the day. In contrast, continuous bed rest worsens blood pooling, high-dose diuretics don’t prevent clots and can cause dehydration, and exercising only the hands doesn’t affect the leg veins.

Preventing DVT in an unconscious patient hinges on keeping blood moving through the leg veins even when the person can’t move. Moving the legs regularly activates the muscle pumps in the calves and feet, which squeeze the deep veins and push blood back toward the heart, reducing venous stasis that can lead to clot formation. Foot pumps, ankle circles, and leg raises specifically stimulate this venous return, and doing them every two hours keeps the flow active throughout the day. In contrast, continuous bed rest worsens blood pooling, high-dose diuretics don’t prevent clots and can cause dehydration, and exercising only the hands doesn’t affect the leg veins.