🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 65-year-old male with a history of obesity and osteoarthritis is scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty. He has no personal or family history of VTE. What is the most appropriate deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis for this patient postoperatively?

A Aspirin monotherapy
B Compression stockings only
C Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux
D No prophylaxis needed as risk is low

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Major orthopedic surgery like total knee arthroplasty carries a high risk of VTE. Pharmacologic prophylaxis, such as LMWH or fondaparinux, is strongly recommended to prevent DVT and PE.

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