A postoperative home care patient has developed thrombophlebitis in her right leg.
What type of medication is likely to be prescribed for this cardiovascular complication?

Choice A Rationale:
Hemorrhage is not a direct risk associated with antibiotic use and diarrhea. While severe diarrhea can lead to fluid loss and potentially hypovolemia, it's not the most significant risk in this context.
Antibiotics themselves don't typically cause bleeding issues unless they specifically interfere with clotting factors, which isn't common.
The nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding, but it's not the primary concern based on the patient's history of antibiotic use and diarrhea.

Choice B Rationale:
Cardiovascular collapse is a serious complication, but it's not directly linked to antibiotic use and diarrhea. It can occur due to various factors like severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or underlying heart conditions. The nurse should be vigilant for signs of cardiovascular instability, but it's not the most likely risk in this scenario.
Choice C Rationale:
Electrolyte imbalances are a significant concern for patients with diarrhea, especially those on antibiotics. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in electrolyte absorption. Diarrhea further exacerbates electrolyte loss through fluid loss.
Key electrolytes to monitor include:
Potassium: Essential for nerve and muscle function, including the heart. Low potassium (hypokalemia) can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, and potentially heart arrhythmias.
Sodium: Vital for fluid balance and nerve signaling. Low sodium (hyponatremia) can cause confusion, seizures, and coma.
Chloride: Also important for fluid balance and acid-base balance.
Magnesium: Crucial for muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production. Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) can cause muscle cramps, tremors, and heart arrhythmias.
The nurse should closely monitor the patient's electrolyte levels and watch for signs of imbalance, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, confusion, or heart rhythm abnormalities.

Choice D Rationale:
Respiratory paralysis is not a typical risk associated with antibiotic use or diarrhea.
It's more commonly linked to neuromuscular disorders, certain medications, or severe electrolyte imbalances (especially low potassium or calcium).
While the nurse should be aware of potential respiratory complications, it's not the most likely concern in this case.

Choice A rationale:
While elevating the head of the bed can make it easier to visualize the patient's face and upper chest, it's not the primary rationale for positioning a patient with pneumonia in semi-Fowler's position.
Skin color and temperature can be assessed in other positions as well, such as supine or side-lying. In cases of pneumonia, prioritizing respiratory function takes precedence over ease of skin assessment. Choice B rationale:
While semi-Fowler's position can offer some comfort, it's not the most comfortable position for all patients, especially those with thoracic pain.
Positions that fully support the back and minimize pressure on the chest, such as side-lying with pillows, may provide better pain relief.
The primary goal in positioning a patient with pneumonia is to optimize respiratory function, not solely to maximize comfort.
Choice C rationale:
Semi-Fowler's position effectively promotes lung expansion due to the following reasons:
Gravity: Elevating the head of the bed allows gravity to assist in pulling the diaphragm downward, creating more space for lung expansion.
Abdominal pressure: The semi-upright position reduces pressure from the abdominal organs on the diaphragm, further facilitating its downward movement and enhancing lung expansion.
Secretion drainage: The inclined position encourages drainage of secretions from the upper airways, preventing their accumulation and potential airway obstruction. This allows for better air entry and gas exchange.
Choice D rationale:
While semi-Fowler's position may slightly increase venous return to the heart, it's not the primary reason for using this position in patients with pneumonia.
Positions that significantly increase venous return, such as Trendelenburg position (head down), are typically used for specific indications like shock or hypotension, not for pneumonia management.