A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is receiving therapy with unfractionated heparin. Which of the following laboratory results indicates that the therapy is effective?

Choice A rationale:
Placing the client in a low Fowler's position with the knees bent (Choice A) can help reduce tension on the abdominal incision, but it is not the priority when evisceration is present. The focus should be on immediate intervention and preparation for surgery.
Choice B rationale:
Covering the client's wound with a sterile saline-soaked dressing (Choice B) is essential to prevent further contamination and maintain moisture in the exposed tissue. This step helps protect the wound until the client can be taken to the operating room.
Choice C rationale:
Notifying the surgeon about the finding (Choice C) is important, but it should not be done before taking more immediate action. Evisceration requires prompt intervention and transfer to surgery, and the surgeon will be involved once the client is ready for the operation.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the client for transfer to surgery (Choice D) is the correct sequence of steps in this situation. Evisceration is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent complications and infection. The nurse should stabilize the wound with a sterile dressing and then prepare the client for surgery promptly.

Choice A rationale:

Providing pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative is not appropriate. The client has just undergone skeletal traction placement, and pin care is usually initiated after 24 hours to allow for initial wound healing.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed is unsafe and not recommended. The weights should remain in place to provide continuous traction and alignment for the fractured hip.

Choice C rationale:

Assessing the client's circulation every 4 hours is essential to monitor for any signs of impaired circulation, such as swelling, pallor, or decreased pulses. Early detection of circulatory compromise is critical to prevent complications like compartment syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Requesting the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity is not appropriate after skeletal traction placement. Ankle exercises could disrupt traction and hinder the healing process of the fractured hip.