A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client reports a pain level of 3 on a scale from 0 to 10. Which of the following nonpharmacological pain management therapies should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Elevating the bed to 45° increases bleeding risk at the femoral site post-catheterization; flat positioning is preferred. Assessing pulses is priority. Elevating risks hematoma, critical to avoid in ensuring vascular safety, monitoring for complications, and supporting recovery in immediate postoperative cardiac catheterization care.

Choice B reason: Assessing peripheral pulses every 15 minutes post-femoral catheterization monitors for arterial occlusion or bleeding, critical for detecting complications like hematoma or thrombosis. This ensures timely intervention, essential for vascular integrity, preventing limb ischemia, and supporting safe recovery in the immediate postoperative period.

Choice C reason: Changing the dressing 4 hours post-catheterization is premature unless soiled; initial monitoring of pulses is priority. Assuming dressing change is urgent risks disrupting the site, increasing bleeding, critical to avoid in ensuring site stability and vascular safety in immediate post-catheterization care.

Choice D reason: Flexing the right knee is contraindicated post-femoral catheterization, risking site disruption or bleeding; leg immobility is required. Assessing pulses is key. Instructing flexion risks hematoma, critical to prevent in ensuring vascular safety, monitoring complications, and supporting recovery in postoperative cardiac catheterization clients.

Choice A reason: Supine positioning risks respiratory strain post-myocardial infarction; semi-Fowler’s is preferred. Cardiac rehabilitation is appropriate. Assuming supine is correct risks discomfort or complications, critical to avoid in ensuring proper positioning and recovery support for clients 3 days post-acute myocardial infarction.

Choice B reason: ECG every 12 hours is excessive 3 days post-myocardial infarction unless symptomatic; daily or as-needed is standard. Rehabilitation consultation is key. Assuming frequent ECGs risks unnecessary testing, critical to prevent in focusing on recovery planning and rehabilitation for post-infarction clients.

Choice C reason: Troponin levels every 4 hours are unnecessary 3 days post-myocardial infarction, as levels peak earlier; rehabilitation is priority. Assuming frequent troponin checks risks redundant testing, critical to avoid in ensuring appropriate care focus on recovery and rehabilitation post-acute myocardial infarction.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a cardiac rehabilitation consultation 3 days post-myocardial infarction supports recovery through structured exercise and education, critical for preventing further events. This intervention promotes long-term cardiac health, essential for reducing readmissions, enhancing recovery, and improving quality of life in post-infarction clients.