Prevention of complications

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