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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Assisting the client to void is the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can cause the fundus to deviate to the right and become boggy. Voiding helps the uterus contract and return to its normal position.
Choice A rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary if the client is unable to void, but it is not the first action.
Choice B rationale
Administering methylergometrine to the client is not the first action. This medication stimulates uterine contractions and can help reduce postpartum bleeding, but the initial step is to address the full bladder.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a stat hemoglobin level is important if there is a concern for significant blood loss, but it is not the first action.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking blood pressure is important but not the first action to control bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Observing the client is necessary but not the immediate action to control bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract and can reduce bleeding, which is crucial in managing postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
Administering oxytocin is important but should follow fundal massage to ensure the uterus is contracting.