What is the primary nursing intervention to prevent venous thromboembolism in a postoperative patient?

Encouraging early ambulation is the primary nursing intervention to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in postoperative patients. Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining good venous blood flow and reducing the risk of clot formation. When patients remain immobile for extended periods, such as after surgery, the blood flow in their veins can become sluggish, which increases the risk of clot formation, particularly in the legs.

By promoting early ambulation, nurses help patients resume mobility as soon as it is safely possible, thus facilitating venous return and diminishing the risk of VTE. This intervention not only improves circulation but also enhances overall recovery by encouraging patients to engage in activities of daily living.

While providing patient education on VTE and administering anticoagulants are important components of comprehensive VTE prevention strategies, they are supplementary to the direct physical activity promoted by early ambulation. Increasing dietary fiber is relevant for gastrointestinal health but does not directly correlate with VTE prevention. In summary, early ambulation is a fundamental and effective nursing intervention to mitigate the risk of venous thromboembolism in the postoperative setting.