A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgical repair of a femur fracture and has a prescription for lorazepam preoperatively. Which of the following statements made by the client should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

A. Positive Kernig's sign:

Positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis, not thrombosis. It is a clinical sign where pain is elicited when the hip is flexed at a 90-degree angle and then the knee is extended. This sign is not relevant for identifying a thrombus.

B. Dull, aching calf pain:

Dull, aching calf pain is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the calf are typical manifestations of a thrombus in the leg veins. This symptom should alert the nurse to the possibility of a thrombus.

C. Soft, pliable calf muscle:

A soft, pliable calf muscle is not indicative of a thrombus. In the case of DVT, the affected leg is usually swollen, firm, and tender. Thus, this manifestation does not suggest the presence of a thrombus.

D. Positive Homan's sign:

Positive Homan's sign is identified when there is pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot. This sign can be indicative of DVT. Although not highly specific or sensitive, it is one of the traditional signs used to assess for the presence of a thrombus in the leg.

A. “They’ll protect your legs and heels from skin breakdown.”: While antiembolism stockings can provide some degree of protection against skin breakdown due to their snug fit, this is not their primary purpose. Their main function is to improve circulation and prevent blood clots, not to protect the skin.

B. “They’ll make it easier for you to do leg exercises after your surgery.”: Antiembolism stockings do not directly facilitate leg exercises. While they can help improve circulation which might indirectly aid in recovery, their primary purpose is to prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities.

C. “They’ll improve your circulation to keep blood from pooling in your legs.”: This is correct. Antiembolism stockings, also known as compression stockings, are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. They can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that’s most common in the deep veins of your legs.

D. “They’ll help keep you warm immediately after your surgery.”: While antiembolism stockings might provide some warmth due to their material, this is not their primary function. Their main purpose is to improve circulation in the legs and prevent blood clots.