Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer

STATEMENT OF NEED

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially deadly complication in patients with cancer, and hospitalized cancer patients are at an increased risk for both first-time and recurrent VTE. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends VTE prophylaxis for all hospitalized cancer patients. Therefore, it is crucial for oncology nurses to be aware of risk factors, prevention, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and management of VTE. This activity will discuss the current guidelines for VTE prophylaxis, treatment, and management for patients receiving inpatient cancer care.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Evaluate the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
Determine the appropriate anticoagulation strategies for individual hospitalized patients with cancer
Apply current venous thromboembolism (VTE) guidelines to the management of hospitalized patients with cancer