A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for clopidogrel.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The correct answer is Choice A: Dull, aching calf pain.

Choice A rationale:

Dull, aching calf pain is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur postoperatively, especially after vascular surgery. This pain is often due to a blood clot forming in the deep veins of the leg.

Choice B rationale:

Positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis and not typically related to thrombus formation.

Choice C rationale:

Soft, pliable calf muscle is not indicative of a thrombus. A thrombus would more likely cause tenderness and swelling.

Choice D rationale:

Positive Homan's sign (pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot) can be an indicator of DVT, but it is less reliable than dull, aching calf pain.

Choice A rationale:

Restricting visitation is an essential intervention during an influenza outbreak in a long-term care facility. Influenza is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among residents and staff in a close environment like a long-term care facility. By limiting visitation, the facility can reduce the risk of introducing the virus from the outside and help contain the outbreak. This is a preventive measure to protect vulnerable residents from exposure to the virus.

Choice B rationale:

Providing prophylactic antibiotics for clients who have been exposed to influenza is not a recommended intervention. Influenza is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics are ineffective in preventing or treating the infection. Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

Choice C rationale:

Implementing airborne precautions for clients who have influenza is not typically necessary. Influenza primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Standard precautions, such as proper hand hygiene and wearing masks when in close contact with infected individuals, are usually sufficient to prevent the spread of the virus. Airborne precautions are typically reserved for diseases that are transmitted through the airborne route, like tuberculosis.

Choice D rationale:

Assigning healthcare personnel to nondirect care activities for 24 hours after developing influenza symptoms is not a recommended intervention. While it's important for healthcare personnel to stay home when they are sick to prevent the spread of the virus, 24 hours may not be a necessary duration. The standard guideline for healthcare workers with influenza is to stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.