A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is 2 days postoperative and reports pain in their calf. Which of the following actions should the nurse include?
Monitor the client's pulse oximetry.
Instruct the client to massage the calf gently.
Maintain the leg in a dependent position while in bed.
Apply a cold compress to the client's calf.
The Correct Answer is A
Pain in the calf can be a potential symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication after surgery. Monitoring the client's pulse oximetry can help assess for signs of decreased oxygenation, which may indicate a possible clot or compromised circulation. A decrease in oxygen saturation can be an early indicator of a potential DVT-related complication, such as a pulmonary embolism. Monitoring the pulse oximetry can provide valuable information for timely intervention and management.
Instructing the client to massage the calf gently is not advisable without further assessment and evaluation. Massaging the calf can potentially dislodge a clot if one is present, leading to further complications. It is important to rule out DVT through appropriate diagnostic measures before providing specific instructions for calf massage.
Maintaining the leg in a dependent position while in bed can potentially worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of venous stasis. Elevating the affected leg, rather than maintaining it in a dependent position, can help improve venous return and reduce pain or swelling.
Applying a cold compress to the client's calf is not recommended without further assessment. Heat or cold therapy should be applied based on the underlying cause of the pain. In the case of potential DVT, applying a cold compress can increase vasoconstriction and potentially worsen the condition. It is essential to investigate the cause of the pain first and consult with the healthcare provider before initiating any specific therapies or interventions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Prothrombin time.
Explanation:
When a client is prescribed warfarin, monitoring the prothrombin time (PT) and the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is crucial. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that affects the clotting ability of the blood by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Monitoring the prothrombin time and INR helps determine the client's blood's ability to clot and the appropriate dosage of warfarin to maintain the desired therapeutic range.
Option a (Triiodothyronine) is a thyroid hormone and is not directly related to warfarin therapy.
Option b (Blood urea nitrogen) is a measure of kidney function and is also not directly related to warfarin therapy.
Option c (Arterial blood gases) is a measure of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and is not related to warfarin therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Timolol is a beta-blocker medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of glaucoma. It works by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure. However, timolol can also be systemically absorbed, which may lead to cardiovascular side effects.
Checking the heart rate while taking timolol is important because beta-blockers can potentially lower heart rate and blood pressure. It is essential to monitor for any changes in heart rate or any other cardiovascular symptoms while using timolol eye drops.
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