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 D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Using a postpartum depression-screening tool with the client is the first action the nurse should take. This tool helps to assess the severity of the client’s symptoms and determine the appropriate level of care. Early identification and intervention are crucial in managing postpartum depression effectively.
Choice A rationale
Arranging for counseling to help the client cope with the stress of being a parent is important, but it is not the first action. Counseling can be part of the treatment plan after the initial assessment using the screening tool.
Choice B rationale
Reinforcing teaching about ways to increase rest and sleep is beneficial for the client’s overall well-being, but it does not address the immediate need to assess the severity of the client’s depressive symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Requesting a prescription for an antidepressant medication may be necessary, but it should be based on the results of the screening tool and a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a prescription for an antibiotic is not the first recommendation for a client who is 3 days postpartum and breastfeeding with hard and warm breasts. Antibiotics are typically prescribed if there is a confirmed infection, such as mastitis, which is characterized by symptoms like fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. In this case, the client is experiencing normal postpartum breast engorgement, which does not require antibiotics.
Choice B rationale
Expressing milk from both breasts is the correct recommendation. Breast engorgement is common in the early postpartum period as the milk comes in. Expressing milk, either by breastfeeding frequently or using a breast pump, helps to relieve the fullness, reduce discomfort, and maintain milk production.
Choice C rationale
Wearing a nipple shield is not recommended for breast engorgement. Nipple shields are typically used for issues like latch difficulties or sore nipples, not for relieving engorgement. Using a nipple shield without proper guidance can potentially interfere with milk transfer and breastfeeding success.
Choice D rationale
Applying a heating pad to the breasts is not recommended for engorgement. Heat can increase blood flow and exacerbate swelling. Instead, cold compresses or cold cabbage leaves are often recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with engorgement.