Patient was educated on life-style measures to be observed in individuals with history of deep vein thrombosis as follows:
- Senior citizens could be poorly responsive to the thirst sensation and can be at increased risk for poor fluid intake and dehydration. This can result in increased thickening of blood, thus leading to increased risk for clot formation and DVT. Caregivers must provide frequent reminders regarding observing compliance with 2.5 – 3 liters of daily fluid intake recommendation, which can help prevent risk for DVT and clot formation.
- Avoid hot summer climates and sauna units. Hot climates and warm room temperatures can result in excessive sweating, increased fluid loss, and dehydration. This can result in increased thickening of blood, thus leading to increased risk for clot formation and DVT. Be aware of signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as, poor urine volume output, episodes of dizziness and confusion, rapid heart rate, dry skin, and elevated temperature. Consider increasing the volume of daily fluid intake recommendation, secondary to risk for increased fluid loss due to warm environmental temperature.
- Smoking, secondary to increasing the adhesiveness of platelet cells to one another and causing damage to the inner lining of blood vessels, increases the risk for clot formation and DVT. Individuals with smoking history must observe compliance with smoking cessation instructions to prevent risk for deep vein thrombosis. Individuals with addiction to nicotine could seek consultation with behavior therapy, to overcome the addiction.
