A client who is 7 days postpartum calls the provider’s office and reports pain, swelling, and redness of her left calf.Besides the client seeing the provider, which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest?
Massage the area.
Elevate the leg.
Apply cold compresses.
Flex the knee while resting.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Massaging the area is not recommended as it can dislodge a clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. This can be life-threatening and should be avoided.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the leg helps to reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return. This is a standard intervention for managing symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and helps prevent further complications.
Choice C rationale
Applying cold compresses is not effective for DVT. Cold compresses are generally used to reduce inflammation and pain in acute injuries, but they do not address the underlying issue of a blood clot.
Choice D rationale
Flexing the knee while resting can increase the risk of clot dislodgement and is not recommended. Keeping the leg straight and elevated is a safer approach to managing DVT symptoms.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Postpartum blues are characterized by tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and a feeling of letdown. These symptoms are common and usually resolve within a few weeks without medical intervention.
Choice A rationale
The letting-go phase occurs when the woman has assumed responsibility for caring for herself and her infant. It is not associated with the symptoms described.
Choice B rationale
Postpartum fatigue can cause tiredness and lack of energy but does not typically include tearfulness and a feeling of letdown.
Choice D rationale
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that includes symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood swings. It is not characterized by the milder symptoms described. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hemorrhage is not prevented by walking. Hemorrhage management involves monitoring and medical interventions, not ambulation.
Choice B rationale
Walking helps prevent blood clots by promoting circulation. Postoperative patients are encouraged to ambulate early to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
Choice C rationale
Breast engorgement is managed through breastfeeding or pumping, not walking. Ambulation does not directly affect breast engorgement.
Choice D rationale
Rupture of amniotic membranes is not relevant postpartum. This condition is related to labor and delivery, not postoperative care.