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 D
Explanation
a.Frequent bathing can actually worsen dry, itchy skin as it can strip away the natural oils that help moisturize the skin. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to limit bathing to shorter durations using lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
b.Powder may not provide significant relief for dry, itchy skin and can potentially irritate the skin further. It is best to focus on moisturizing and hydrating the skin to alleviate the symptoms.
c.While this might seem helpful, oils in the bath can create a slippery surface, posing a fall risk, especially for older adults. Additionally, oils might not provide sufficient hydration to the skin and could leave a residue that is not always beneficial.
d.Dry, itchy skin is a common concern among older adults, and it can be exacerbated by low humidity levels. Placing a humidifier in the client's room helps to increase the moisture content in the air, which can alleviate dryness and itchiness. The increased humidity can help prevent the skin from becoming overly dry and can provide relief from the symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Tranylcypromine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication used to treat depression. MAOIs inhibit the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which helps regulate the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, including tyramine. Tyramine is typically broken down by monoamine oxidase, but when taking an MAOI, the enzyme's inhibition can lead to an excessive accumulation of tyramine in the body.
Tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and certain fermented or pickled foods, contain high levels of tyramine. Ingesting these foods while taking an MAOI can lead to a sudden release of stored norepinephrine, causing a hypertensive crisis.
Hypertension is a potentially serious adverse effect of MAOI therapy combined with tyramine-rich food ingestion. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis can include severe headache, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, blurred vision, and in severe cases, it can lead to stroke or other cardiovascular complications.
Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine and is not a known adverse effect of tranylcypromine or related to tyramine-rich food ingestion.
Tinnitus refers to the perception of ringing or noise in the ears and is not a known adverse effect of tranylcypromine or related to tyramine-rich food ingestion.
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, is not a known adverse effect of tranylcypromine or related to tyramine-rich food ingestion. However, it's important to note that tranylcypromine may interact with certain diabetes medications, so it's essential to consider the client's overall medical history and potential drug interactions.
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