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
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 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.