Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes two closely associated clinical conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DTV) and its main acute complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). In the hospital setting, venous thromboembolism is a concern because of its high prevalence rate. It is estimated that one in twenty inpatients is at risk of pulmonary embolism, if adequate preventive measures are not applied.These may or may not be pharmacological. In this context, the objective of this study is to identify the non-pharmacological measures recommended to prevent venous thromboembolism in inpatients. An integrative literature review was performed using the PI[C]OD method by searching the following databases: EBSCO host, PubMed, JBI, PEDro, Elsevier-ClinicalKey, Scielo and Google Academic studies published in the períod 2006-2016. From the research were included five articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results of the review found that effective mechanical methods comprised graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices while for nursing care early mobilization and ambulation were identified as preventive measures of VTE. The studies suggest several benefits of using non-pharmacological measures to prevent venous thromboembolism. The differentiated intervention of the nurse specialist in rehabilitation integrated in the multidisciplinary team can be an added value in the adequacy of these measures.

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