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