A nurse is reviewing the safety plan for preventing newborn abduction with newly licensed nurses. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Encourage the client to elevate their legs while in bed: Elevating the affected leg helps reduce venous pressure, decreasing edema and discomfort associated with DVT. Elevation also promotes venous return, which can limit further clot propagation. This intervention provides symptom relief without increasing the risk of embolization.

B. Place an immobilizer on the affected leg: Immobilizers restrict movement and are used for musculoskeletal injuries, not for DVT management. Immobilization can worsen venous stasis by reducing circulation in the lower extremity. Instead, clients with DVT benefit from gentle mobility once anticoagulation is initiated, unless contraindicated, to prevent worsening clot burden.

C. Implement bleeding precautions: The client has diagnostic confirmation of DVT and will require anticoagulation, which increases bleeding risk. Bleeding precautions help prevent complications such as hematuria, bruising, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding and avoiding trauma are essential once therapy begins.

D. Apply intermittent pneumatic compression devices to the unaffected leg: IPC devices should not be applied to the affected limb due to the risk of dislodging the thrombus. However, using them on the unaffected leg promotes venous return and helps prevent additional clot formation.

E. Instruct the client to expect dark stools: Dark stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is not an expected effect of DVT treatment. While anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk, the nurse should teach the client to report black or tarry stools immediately.

Rationale:

A. Respiratory therapist: A respiratory therapist is essential in arranging home oxygen by evaluating the client’s respiratory needs, determining appropriate oxygen flow rates, and ensuring proper use of equipment. They also provide education on safety and maintenance, which is critical for clients newly diagnosed with COPD who must manage oxygen therapy at home.

B. Physical therapist: A physical therapist focuses on mobility and strength training, which can benefit clients with COPD but is not directly responsible for arranging or coordinating home oxygen therapy. Their role becomes more relevant after respiratory support is established and the client begins working on endurance and safe activity levels.

C. Social worker: A social worker assists with social support, financial resources, and coping needs but is not typically involved in arranging clinical respiratory equipment. Their involvement may be helpful later if the client requires community services, but they are not the primary referral for initiating oxygen therapy.

D. Case manager: A case manager plays a key role in long-term discharge planning and may eventually coordinate services, but the immediate need for oxygen setup requires a respiratory therapist’s specialized assessment. Once the respiratory plan is initiated, the case manager can support broader continuity of care needs.