A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to an older adult female client who is scheduled for a laminectomy and uses supplements. Which of the following supplements should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for hypotension during surgery?

A. Assess the client's peripheral pulses every 15 min. Frequent assessment of peripheral pulses, especially in the affected extremity, is essential to monitor for signs of arterial occlusion, hematoma, or compromised circulation following a femoral catheterization.

B. Change the client's dressing 4 hr following the procedure. The initial pressure dressing should not be disturbed unless there are signs of bleeding or saturation. Routine dressing changes this soon can disrupt the clotting process at the insertion site.

C. Instruct the client to flex the right knee every 30 min. The client should keep the affected leg straight to prevent disrupting the insertion site. Flexing the knee can increase the risk of bleeding and compromise the integrity of the puncture site.

D. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45°. Elevating the head of the bed too high can increase abdominal pressure on the femoral site, risking bleeding. The bed should be kept no higher than 30° to reduce stress on the insertion area.

A. Determine if the stockings are binding. It is important to assess that antiembolic stockings are not too tight, especially around the top, as this can impair circulation. Proper fit ensures they function effectively to promote venous return and prevent deep vein thrombosis.
B. Fold the top of the stocking over neatly. Folding or rolling the tops can cause constriction and act like a tourniquet, reducing circulation and increasing the risk of complications such as venous stasis or skin breakdown.
C. Apply the stockings after the client is in a chair. Antiembolic stockings should be applied while the client is lying down, before getting up, to prevent blood pooling in the legs. Applying them after the client is upright may reduce their effectiveness.
D. Massage the client's legs once every 8 hr while the stockings are in place. Massaging the legs, especially in clients at risk for thrombosis, is not recommended as it could dislodge a clot and lead to embolism. Passive or active leg movement is safer and more effective.