The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Choice A reason: Early ambulation prevents stasis but is contraindicated in acute deep vein thrombosis, as it risks dislodging the clot, causing pulmonary embolism. Leg elevation reduces swelling and promotes venous return, making it the priority intervention to manage acute DVT safely.

Choice B reason: Warm compresses may increase blood flow but are not standard for deep vein thrombosis, as they risk clot dislodgement. Leg elevation reduces edema and venous pressure, improving circulation without mobilizing the clot, making it the preferred intervention for DVT management.

Choice C reason: Restricting fluid intake is inappropriate, as hydration prevents blood viscosity increases that exacerbate deep vein thrombosis. Leg elevation directly reduces swelling and promotes venous return, addressing the primary issue of venous stasis, making it the priority over fluid restriction.

Choice D reason: Elevating the affected leg reduces edema and venous pressure in deep vein thrombosis by promoting venous return to the heart. This decreases clot propagation risk and alleviates pain, making it a key intervention to manage acute DVT effectively and prevent complications.

Choice A reason: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate, causing tachycardia and potential arrhythmias due to elevated thyroid hormone levels stimulating cardiac beta-receptors. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm is critical to detect cardiovascular complications, guiding urgent treatment to prevent heart failure or atrial fibrillation.

Choice B reason: High-calorie snacks address weight loss in hyperthyroidism but are secondary to cardiovascular risks. Tachycardia and arrhythmias pose immediate threats, making heart rate monitoring the priority, as uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can lead to life-threatening cardiac events before nutritional needs are addressed.

Choice C reason: Supplemental oxygen is not routinely needed in hyperthyroidism unless respiratory distress occurs, which is rare. Elevated heart rate and arrhythmias are more immediate concerns, as hyperthyroidism’s cardiac effects are primary, making heart monitoring critical to prevent acute cardiovascular complications.

Choice D reason: Restricting fluid intake is inappropriate, as hyperthyroidism increases metabolism, risking dehydration. Heart rate monitoring is prioritized, as tachycardia and arrhythmias are direct, life-threatening effects of excess thyroid hormone, requiring immediate assessment to guide antithyroid therapy and prevent cardiac crises.