prevention of complications
Last reviewed 01/2018
Approaches to preventing the common complications include:
- deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism:
- pressure stockings for all bed-bound patients
- aspirin and/or prophylactic heparin may be commenced in patients without an intracerebral bleed on a CT/MRI scan
- early mobilisation
- pneumonia:
- swallowing assessments if dysphagia is suspected
- nil by mouth orders if swallow is disordered
- early mobilisation
- pressure sores:
- regular turning of immobile patients
- surveillance of pressure areas
- appropriate mattresses
- frozen shoulder and contractures:
- physiotherapy and early mobilisation