Campbell AD.
Pneumatic compression stockings. Preventing deep vein thrombus and pulmonary
embolus.
Todays OR Nurse 1990 Jul;12(7):4-9

As patient advocates, perioperative nurses are vital to the safety and protection
of the surgical patient. They are responsible for providing a safe environment and
efficient and economical nursing care. Using the treatment options available, they
can optimize the patient's surgical experience and postoperative recovery. OR
nurses and managers can potentially prevent extended hospital stays and expense
for patients by requiring pneumatic compression stockings and anticoagulants as
the standard of care in their operating rooms. Prophylaxis is the key to reducing
the incidence of DVT and PE. The perioperative nurse, cognizant of the effects of
general anesthesia, Virchow's triad, and inherent patient risk factors, can
greatly contribute to reducing the incidence of DVT and PE morbidity and
mortality by using these treatment modalities as ordered by the attending
physician.