A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs.

Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect following the transfusion?

I will need to keep my hand elevated above my heart for several days.” This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected hand after carpal tunnel surgery.

Elevation promotes venous return and prevents fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Choice A is wrong because applying heat for the first 24 hours can increase blood flow and swelling in the hand, which can cause more pain and delay healing. Ice packs are recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce inflammation.

Choice B is wrong because the client should not avoid using the affected hand for 4 to 6 weeks, as this can lead to stiffness, muscle atrophy, and decreased range of motion. The client should move the fingers periodically and perform gentle exercises as prescribed by the surgeon or physical therapist.

Choice C is wrong because numbness and tingling in the hand are signs of nerve compression, which is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The client should expect these symptoms to improve or resolve after surgery, not persist or worsen. If the client experiences numbness and tingling after surgery, they should report it to the surgeon as it may indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma.

Normal ranges for grip strength, pinch strength, and keypinch strength vary depending on age, sex, and hand dominance. However, a general reference for grip strength is 20 to 40 kg for men and 15 to 30 kg for women. For pinch strength, it is 6 to 12 kg for men and 5 to 10 kg for women. For keypinch strength, it is 4 to 8 kg for men and 3 to 7 kg for women.

These values may be lower in older adults or people with chronic conditions.

The client should expect some loss of strength in the affected hand after surgery, but it should gradually improve with rehabilitation.

The correct answer is choice A. “The more my baby is at the breast sucking, the more milk I will produce.” This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because it reflects the principle of supply and demand in breastfeeding. The more the baby stimulates the breast, the more milk the mother will produce.

Choice B is wrong because manually expressing milk will not decrease the milk supply. In fact, it can help increase the milk supply by removing more milk from the breast and signaling the body to make more.

Choice C is wrong because the breast is not emptied after 5 to 10 minutes of feeding. The baby should be allowed to nurse until they are satisfied and show signs of fullness, such as releasing the nipple, falling asleep, or turning away from the breast. The average duration of a feeding session can vary from 10 to 45 minutes.

Choice D is wrong because the baby should not always start on the same breast when feeding. The mother should alternate which breast she offers first to ensure both breasts are stimulated and drained equally.

This can help prevent engorgement, mastitis, and low milk supply. A simple way to remember which breast to start with is to wear a bracelet or a clip on the bra strap on the side that needs to be offered next.