Ask family and friends to wash their hands and not to visit if they are ill.

Here are additional ways to avoid complications.

Blood Clots

A blood clot in one of the large veins, usually in the leg or arm, is called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism or PE.

The best way to avoid DVTs and PEs is to:

• Stay active and sit in the chair for meals. Walk around in your room, and when you are allowed, walk in the hallway.
• Wear the compression stockings and/or “leg squeezers” (also called SCDs) if asked to do so.
• Do toe-pointing exercises while lying flat in bed every hour. Slowly pump your ankles by bending and straightening them, while trying to keep the rest of your legs relaxed – only moving your ankles.

Falls

The best way to prevent a fall is to stay active. Staff members are here to help you, and we want to make sure you stay safe. Please call for help before getting out of bed.

Lung Infections Called Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a complication that can occur when the lungs become infected or inflamed. The lungs can become filled with fluid or pus, which makes it difficult to get oxygen in the lung sacs to reach the bloodstream.

Avoid pneumonia by:

• Practicing taking deep breaths at least 10 times an hour while you are awake.
• Using a device called an incentive spirometer, which you may be given to help you with taking deep breaths.