Ace the CCRN Challenge 2026 – Unleash Your Nursing Superpowers!

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication associated with prolonged immobility in critical care patients due to several physiological changes that occur when a person is unable to move. Immobility leads to stasis in blood flow, particularly in the lower extremities, which can cause the blood to clot. Factors such as changes in blood coagulability, vascular endothelial injury, and venous blood pooling contribute to the increased risk of thrombus formation.

In critically ill patients, the risk of DVT is further exacerbated by conditions such as dehydration, surgery, and the use of certain medications, which may alter the clotting cascade. As a result, enhanced awareness and preventive strategies, including pharmacological prophylaxis and mechanical methods like compression devices, are essential in managing immobilized patients to minimize the incidence of DVT.

In contrast, hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, and hypotension are not directly related to immobility but are instead associated with other underlying medical conditions and metabolic processes. Understanding DVT highlights the importance of mobilization and appropriate nursing interventions in critically ill patients.