A nurse is reinforcing postoperative teaching with a client who has a prescription for enoxaparin to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching as a potential adverse effect of this medication?

A. A client who is receiving an enteral tube feeding and has a blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): A mildly elevated blood glucose level is not immediately life-threatening and can be managed after addressing more urgent issues. This client is stable at the moment.

B. A client who has a spinal cord injury and needs a dressing change: While important for preventing infection, a scheduled dressing change is not an immediate threat to the client’s life or health and can be safely performed after more urgent concerns are addressed.

C. A client who has a temperature of 38.4° C (101.1° F) and appears confused: Fever and new-onset confusion suggest a possible infection, such as sepsis or urinary tract infection, especially in older adults. This situation indicates a potential life-threatening condition and requires immediate assessment and intervention.

D. A client who had a hip arthroplasty and is requesting pain medication: Managing pain is important, but it is not immediately life-threatening. After addressing the client with fever and confusion, attending to the client's pain needs would be appropriate.

A. Place the client in a supine position: A supine position can impair lung expansion and increase the risk of respiratory complications. Clients with a chest tube are best positioned in a semi-Fowler’s or high-Fowler’s position to promote lung re-expansion and ease of breathing.

B. Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr: The collection chamber in a chest drainage system should not be emptied routinely, it should be emptied as needed to prevent it from overfilling. It is a closed system, and breaking it by emptying can introduce infection or disrupt the pressure needed for effective drainage.

C. Ensure the device is kept below the level of the client's chest: Keeping the chest drainage system below chest level uses gravity to promote drainage and prevents backflow of fluid or air into the pleural space. This positioning is essential to maintain the effectiveness and safety of the chest tube system.

D. Clamp the chest tube every 4 hr: Routine clamping of a chest tube is not recommended as it can lead to a dangerous buildup of air (tension pneumothorax). Clamping is reserved for specific, short-term procedures under direct provider orders, such as changing the drainage system.