The husband of a client with cervical carcinoma in situ says to the nurse, "The doctor just told my wife that her cancer is curable. Is the doctor just trying to make us feel better?" The nurse's most accurate response would be:

A. While it's true that ulcers can be a serious complication of PAD and require careful management, exercise is generally encouraged in patients with PAD as long as it is safe and supervised. Patients should consult their healthcare provider about appropriate exercise, but not exercising altogether can worsen their condition.
B. Buying shoes in the afternoon is advisable because feet can swell throughout the day. It helps ensure a better fit and reduces the risk of blisters or skin breakdown, which is particularly important for clients with PAD.
C. This statement is generally correct, as dangling the legs can help improve circulation in some cases. Clients with PAD often experience relief when their legs are in a dependent position, as it may help increase blood flow to the extremities. However, they should also be encouraged to avoid prolonged periods of sitting.
D. This statement may indicate a misunderstanding. Compression stockings are typically used for venous issues rather than arterial diseases like PAD. In patients with PAD, wearing compression stockings may not be appropriate and could potentially compromise arterial blood flow.

A. This option is primarily aimed at promoting lung expansion and preventing atelectasis (collapse of the lung). While it's an important post-operative intervention, it does not directly reduce the risk of embolic events related to venous thromboembolism.
B. Reporting significant pain (8/10) may indicate complications such as infection or improper healing, but it does not directly relate to reducing the risk of embolic events. While managing pain is important for recovery, simply reporting it does not contribute to preventing VTEs.
C. Assessing popliteal pulses is part of a thorough circulatory assessment, but it mainly focuses on blood flow to the lower extremities rather than preventing embolic events. It can help identify existing DVT but does not actively reduce the risk of embolism.
D. This statement is true and is the best choice for decreasing the risk of an embolic event. Early ambulation promotes venous return, improves circulation, and significantly lowers the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism in post-operative patients. Encouraging patients to get out of bed and move around as soon as they are stable is a key nursing intervention in post-operative care.