During a postpartum assessment, a woman reports that her right calf is painful. The nurse observes edema and redness along the saphenous vein in the right lower leg. Based on this finding, the nurse explains that the probable treatment will involve:
Gentle massage of the affected leg
Anticoagulants for 6 weeks
Passive leg exercises twice a day
Application of ice to the affected leg
The Correct Answer is B
Anticoagulants for 6 weeks. This is because the client’s symptoms suggest that she has deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg. DVT is a serious condition that can lead to pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a blood vessel in the lungs. The treatment for DVT involves anticoagulants, which are drugs that prevent blood clots from growing or forming new ones. The duration of anticoagulant therapy depends on the risk factors and severity of DVT, but it is usually at least 6 weeks.
Choice A is wrong because gentle massage of the affected leg can dislodge the clot and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Choice C is wrong because passive leg exercises can increase blood flow and worsen pain and swelling.
Choice D is wrong because the application of ice to the affected leg can reduce inflammation but does not treat the underlying clot.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Fundus firm, at the level of the umbilicus. This is because the normal postpartum uterine fundus location should be around the belly button (umbilicus) one hour after delivery and then decrease by 1 cm per 24 hours. A firm fundus indicates that the uterus is contracting well and preventing bleeding.
Choice A is wrong because a soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is a risk factor for hemorrhage.
Choice C is wrong because the fundus should not be above the umbilicus 12 hours after delivery.
Choice D is wrong because a fundus to the right of the umbilicus indicates a full bladder, which can displace the uterus and cause bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Prevent infection of the eyes from vaginal bacteria. This is because some newborns can be exposed to bacteria such as gonorrhea or chlamydia during delivery, which can cause a serious eye infection called gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (GON). Applying an antibiotic ointment such as erythromycin or ilotycin can prevent GON and other less severe eye infections by killing the bacteria.
Choice A is not correct because the umbilical cord does not need antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. It should be kept clean and dry until it falls off naturally.
Choice C is not correct because the tear ducts are not affected by vaginal bacteria. They are small tubes that drain tears from the eyes to the nose.
Choice D is not correct because the urethra is not a common site of infection for newborns. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
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