What is the main risk associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery?

The primary risk associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery is pulmonary embolism. When a DVT occurs, it means that a blood clot has formed in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If this clot dislodges, it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is a serious condition that can lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress and even death.

The other options, while they can be concerns in the postoperative period, do not directly relate to the immediate and life-threatening consequences of DVT. For example, pneumonia can arise from immobility or impaired lung function after surgery but is not a direct risk of DVT itself. Pain management is critical in the postoperative stage, yet it does not encompass the serious threat posed by a dislodged clot. Mobility issues are a concern, as impaired mobility can contribute to the development of DVT, but they are not the main risk associated with an existing DVT. Thus, pulmonary embolism stands out as the most significant risk linked to DVT.