Low-dose unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin should be equally effective in preventing DVT in this patient.
Given her age, pulmonary status, and immobility, the patient has an approximately 5% to 20% risk of developing DVT during her hospitalization. Aspirin or elastic stockings alone are not recommended at this level of risk. Low-dose unfractionated heparin and prophylactic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin have similar results in patients requiring DVT prophylaxis.
