A community health nurse is caring for a client who has noticed that their drinking water isn't clear and reports they haven't been feeling well.
The nurse should identify the client is at risk for which of the following conditions?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

Yoga involves gentle stretching and may not directly impact the phlebitis.

Choice B rationale:

Therapeutic massage could potentially dislodge a clot in the leg, leading to a dangerous condition called a pulmonary embolism.

Choice C rationale:

Acupressure, like yoga, involves gentle pressure and may not directly impact the phlebitis.

Choice D rationale:

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles and could potentially cause harm, but it is less likely to dislodge a clot than massage.

Choice A rationale:

Serosanguineous drainage noted on the abdominal dressing is a common finding in the early postoperative period. It is a mixture of clear and bloody drainage and is often seen after surgery. This does not typically require immediate reporting unless it becomes excessive or changes significantly. The nurse can continue to monitor and assess the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Postoperative laboratory results of Hgb 15% and Hct 40% are within the normal range for most adults, and there is no immediate need to report these results to the provider. These values suggest that the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are within an acceptable range, indicating adequate oxygen-carrying capacity.

Choice C rationale:

The client's urine output has been 50 mL since surgery, which is significantly decreased and could indicate a potential issue with renal function or fluid balance. This should be reported to the provider, as it may be indicative of kidney impairment, dehydration, or other postoperative complications.

Choice D rationale:

The client's pain level decreasing after the administration of morphine is an expected response to pain management interventions. There is no need to report this information to the provider unless the pain relief is inadequate or the client experiences adverse effects. Pain management is an essential part of postoperative care, and successful pain reduction is a positive outcome.