The nurse is collecting data on the client on the morning of day 2.

Exhibits

Which of the following data collection findings indicate an improvement in the client's condition? Select the 4 findings that indicate an improvement.

Rationale:

A. Positions the client in a chair before applying the stockings: Applying antiembolic stockings while the client is in a seated position may lead to venous pooling in the lower extremities. This reduces the effectiveness of the stockings and may cause improper fit or increased pressure in dependent areas.

B. Elevates the legs before applying the stockings: Elevating the legs allows venous blood to drain from the lower extremities, reducing swelling and promoting proper application of the stockings. This ensures the stockings provide even compression and help prevent complications like thrombus formation.

C. Rolls the extra stocking material down to the client's knee: Rolling down the stockings creates a tourniquet effect, which can impair circulation and increase the risk of complications like venous stasis or skin breakdown. Stockings should be smooth and free of folds.

D. Massages the legs before applying the stockings: Massaging the legs, especially in a client with phlebitis, may dislodge a clot if present and increase the risk of embolism. Gentle handling without vigorous massage is essential in clients at risk for thromboembolic events.

Rationale:

 • An endoscopy is necessary to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract for potential ulcers or bleeding sites, especially given the client’s positive fecal occult blood and anemia. This procedure will help identify active bleeding and confirm a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease.

 • An antifungal prescription is inappropriate because there is no evidence of fungal infection such as thrush or candidiasis. The client’s symptoms and diagnostic findings are more consistent with a gastrointestinal disorder, particularly peptic ulcer disease.

 • Oxygen via nonrebreather mask is not indicated because the client's oxygen saturation is normal at 98% on room air. There are no respiratory symptoms or signs of hypoxia that would necessitate supplemental oxygen at this level of intensity.

 • Low hemoglobin and hematocrit indicate a state of anemia, which is likely due to chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. The client’s history of dark, tarry stools (melena) further supports ongoing blood loss from the upper GI tract, necessitating diagnostic evaluation.

 • History of gnawing epigastric pain is suggestive of peptic ulcer disease but does not on its own justify urgent endoscopy. This history becomes more significant when paired with other alarming signs like bleeding or anemia, but alone it is not a definitive indicator.

 • Stool test results showing a positive hemoccult test confirm the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Combined with anemia and pain, this is a key indicator for immediate endoscopic evaluation to locate and treat the bleeding source.

 • H. pylori results support a peptic ulcer etiology, but the infection alone does not require urgent visualization unless there are complications like bleeding, anemia, or severe symptoms, which would necessitate further diagnostic action.

 • Presence of epigastric tenderness is a non-specific physical finding that could result from many conditions and is not sufficient to determine the need for endoscopy without other supportive clinical evidence pointing toward bleeding or ulceration.

 • Smoking and alcohol intake history increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease but are not acute indicators for endoscopy. They contribute to the etiology and chronic risk but do not demonstrate the immediate need for invasive diagnostics.