New Clinical Practice Guidelines for Venous Thromboembolism. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a term referring to blood clots in the veins, is an underdiagnosed and serious, yet preventable medical condition that can cause disability and death.

Is VTE and DVT the same thing?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder that includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis.

What does VTE mean in nursing?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the term used to describe the formation of blood clots in the veins, which results in DVT (usually in the deep veins of the leg or, occasionally, in the arm) and pulmonary embolism (where a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs). Box 1 outlines the common risk factors for VTE.