A 43-year-old woman is being evaluated in the surgery department because of severe central chest pain, mild shortness of breath, and one episode of coughing up blood. Two days ago, she underwent a total hip arthroplasty with no operative complications. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the chest is immediately obtained; a sagittal view is shown below. In-hospital administration of which of the following is most appropriate for reducing the risk of patients developing this complication?

Question

A 43-year-old woman is being evaluated in the surgery department because of severe central chest pain, mild shortness of breath, and one episode of coughing up blood. Two days ago, she underwent a total hip arthroplasty with no operative complications.    A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the chest is immediately obtained; a sagittal view is shown below.  In-hospital administration of which of the following is most appropriate for reducing the risk of patients developing this complication?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The risk of venous thromboembolism (ie, pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis) in hospitalized patients can be greatly reduced with the administration of prophylactic anticoagulation, usually with low-molecular-weight heparin.

A 43-Year-Old Woman Is Being Evaluated in the Surgery Department