What is a common complication associated with immobility in patients?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a well-documented complication related to immobility in patients. When individuals are immobile for extended periods, such as after surgery, injury, or due to chronic illness, the blood flow in the veins, particularly in the legs, can become sluggish. This stagnation of blood flow increases the risk of clot formation in the deep veins.

DVT poses a serious health risk, as clots can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, understanding the connection between immobility and DVT is crucial for implementing preventive measures, such as promoting mobility, using compression devices, or administering anticoagulants when necessary to help reduce this risk.