Which intervention is appropriate to reduce the risk of thromboembolism in an obese postpartum patient?

• A. Bed rest
• B. Thromboembolism stockings or sequential compression devices
• C. Routine use of inhalation therapy
• D. Early discontinuation of hydration

Answer: (B)

Postpartum obesity raises the risk of thromboembolism because blood tends to pool in the legs (venous stasis) and the blood is more prone to clotting during the hypercoagulable postpartum period. The best way to lower that risk is to promote venous return from the legs. Thromboembolism stockings and sequential compression devices do exactly this: they apply graduated pressure or cyclic compression to the legs to squeeze blood back toward the heart, reducing venous stasis and the chance a clot will form. These mechanical methods are especially important when mobility may be limited after delivery.

Bed rest actually increases venous stasis and would heighten risk. Routine inhalation therapy doesn’t influence venous thromboembolism risk, and decreasing hydration support can thicken blood and elevate risk, not reduce it. So the prophylactic use of stockings or IPC devices directly addresses the mechanism of risk in this scenario.