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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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Measuring leg circumferences is a crucial intervention for a client with thrombophlebitis. This helps in monitoring for any increase in swelling, which can indicate worsening of the condition or the development of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Regular measurement allows for early detection and timely intervention.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the affected extremity is contraindicated in clients with thrombophlebitis. Massage can dislodge a thrombus, leading to a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Therefore, this intervention should be avoided.
Choice C rationale
Applying cold compresses to the affected extremity is not recommended for thrombophlebitis. Cold compresses can cause vasoconstriction, which may worsen the condition by reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of clot formation.
Choice D rationale
Allowing the client to ambulate is not advisable in the acute phase of thrombophlebitis. Ambulation can increase the risk of thrombus dislodgement and subsequent pulmonary embolism. Bed rest with the affected limb elevated is usually recommended until the acute phase resolves.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Within 2 days after delivery is not the typical timeframe for breast milk to come in. Colostrum, the first milk, is produced immediately after birth, but mature milk usually comes in a few days later.
Choice B rationale
In about 10 days after delivery is too late for the onset of mature breast milk. Most women experience their milk coming in within the first week postpartum.
Choice C rationale
In 3 to 5 days after delivery is the correct response. This is the typical timeframe for the transition from colostrum to mature milk. During this period, the breasts may feel fuller and heavier as milk production increases.
Choice D rationale
In 6 to 8 days after delivery is later than the usual timeframe for breast milk to come in. While there can be some variation, most women experience their milk coming in within 3 to 5 days postpartum.