DVT prophylaxis for a post-op patient who is still bleeding should rely on which strategy?

DVT prophylaxis for a post-op patient who is still bleeding should rely on which strategy?

• A. Intermittent pneumatic compression
• B. Low-dose heparin
• C. Aspirin
• D. Early ambulation

Answer: (A)

When a patient is still bleeding after surgery, the priority is to prevent DVT without worsening the bleed. Pharmacologic options like anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs would increase bleeding risk and are not suitable here. Early ambulation helps circulation but may not provide enough protection on its own in the setting of active bleeding. Intermittent pneumatic compression works by mechanically enhancing venous return and reducing venous stasis in the legs without affecting coagulation, so it lowers DVT risk without increasing bleeding. This makes it the best choice in a post-op patient who is still bleeding. Once bleeding is controlled, pharmacologic prophylaxis can be reconsidered as appropriate, and ambulation should be encouraged as tolerated.