A nurse is collecting data from a client who is immobile and has a potential deepvein thrombosis.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The client’s oxygen saturation is 88% on 2 L/min of oxygen via nasal cannula, which is below the normal range of 95% to 100%.

This could indicate that the client is not receiving enough oxygen or that the pulse oximeter is not working properly.

The nurse should first check the sensor probe for any problems, such as poor attachment, nail polish, cold extremities, or motion artifact.

Repositioning the sensor probe may improve the accuracy of the reading and help the nurse determine the next course of action.

Choice B. Apply a cooling blanket to the client is wrong because a cooling blanket is used to lower the body temperature of a client with fever or hyperthermia.

It has no effect on the oxygen saturation level.

Choice C. Place the client in a side-lying position is wrong because a side-lying position may not improve the oxygenation of the client.

A more appropriate position would be a high Fowler’s position, which allows for maximum lung expansion and gas exchange.

Choice D. Ambulate the client is wrong because ambulating the client may worsen the oxygen saturation level if the client has a respiratory condition that causes hypoxemia.

The nurse should assess the client’s respiratory status and oxygen therapy before ambulating the client.

The correct answer is choice C. The client who says “I need to learn how to perform a dressing change on my leg” is indicating an acceptance of the limb loss and a readiness to learn self-care skills.

This is a positive sign of coping and adaptation after an amputation surgery.

Choice A is wrong because the client who says “I am going to have to find someone who can take care of my leg at home” is expressing dependency and denial of the limb loss.

The client needs to be encouraged to participate in self-care activities and rehabilitation.

Choice B is wrong because the client who says “I stay awake at night because I keep thinking about my leg” is experiencing phantom limb sensation, which is a common phenomenon after amputation.

The client may benefit from pain management, distraction techniques, and counseling.

Choice D is wrong because the client who says “I know my family means well, but I don’t want visitors seeing my leg right now” is showing signs of social isolation and low self-esteem.

The client needs emotional support and reassurance from the nurse and family members.

Normal ranges for vital signs after amputation are blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg, pulse 60-100 beats/min, respiratory rate 12-20 breaths/min, and temperature 36.5-37.5°C.