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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
During a mass casualty event, it is crucial for the nurse to assess and determine the acuity level (severity) and number of casualties who will be arriving at the healthcare facility. This information helps in planning and organizing resources, triaging patients based on their needs, and ensuring that appropriate care is provided to those who require immediate attention.
Delegating tasks to emergency health care specialists is a role that may be performed by a nurse in a leadership or supervisory position. However, the immediate priority for the nurse is to assess and triage incoming casualties.
Providing informational updates to members of the media is usually handled by designated spokespersons or communication specialists within the healthcare facility or incident command system. Nurses are primarily focused on patient care and should not be responsible for media communication during a mass casualty event.
Assisting in discharging stable clients to home is not directly related to the immediate response and care of casualties from a mass casualty event. The nurse's focus in such situations is primarily on the management of the incoming casualties and ensuring the availability of resources and care for those who require immediate attention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
To accurately assess the client's respirations, the nurse should observe the movements of the client's chest wall. This can be done by visually inspecting the rise and fall of the chest or by placing a hand on the client's chest to feel the movements. This allows the nurse to assess the depth, rhythm, and effort of the client's breathing. I
It is important to observe the client's respirations without informing them, as this may cause the client to alter their breathing pattern consciously.
Counting the client's respirations for a full minute (rather than 15 seconds) provides a more accurate measurement.
Placing the client in a supine position may not be necessary for assessing respirations, as it is primarily focused on observing the chest movements.
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