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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of prolonged immobility due to the stasis of blood flow in the lower extremities. When a person is immobilized, whether from surgery, injury, or chronic illness, the natural movement that helps circulate blood is significantly reduced. This can result in the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can be dangerous if the clots dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

While pneumonia, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy are also potential complications stemming from inactivity, DVT specifically relates to the mechanism of blood flow disruption caused by immobility. Pneumonia is often associated with inadequate respiratory function and may arise from shallow breathing in immobilized patients, whereas pressure ulcers result from sustained pressure on specific body areas. Muscle atrophy, though a consequence of prolonged immobility, primarily reflects the body's adaptive response to disuse rather than the immediate complications associated with stasis in blood circulation. Thus, DVT is distinctly linked to the risks associated with being immobile for extended periods.