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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A decreased urge to void is a common postpartum finding due to the effects of anesthesia and the trauma of childbirth. It does not require immediate intervention unless it leads to bladder distention.
Choice B rationale
A displaced fundus from the midline, especially if it is accompanied by a boggy uterus, indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate intervention is required to prevent severe blood loss.
Choice C rationale
A fundal height below the umbilicus is an expected finding 1 day postpartum as the uterus begins to involute. This does not require immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale
Increased urine output is common in the postpartum period as the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. This is not a cause for immediate concern.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the client on seizure precautions is not appropriate for shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period. Shaking chills are a common physiological response after childbirth due to hormonal changes and the body’s effort to regulate temperature. Seizure precautions are reserved for clients with a history of seizures or those exhibiting signs of a seizure disorder.
Choice B rationale
Covering the client with warm blankets is the correct action. Shaking chills are often due to the body’s attempt to regain thermal balance. Providing warmth with blankets helps to alleviate the chills and provide comfort to the client.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s temperature is important but not the immediate action to take. While it is necessary to monitor for fever, which could indicate an infection, the priority is to provide comfort and warmth to the client experiencing chills.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the charge nurse is not the immediate action required. The nurse should first address the client’s immediate need for warmth and comfort. If the chills persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, then notifying the charge nurse would be appropriate.