A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is at risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following unsafe actions?
Ambulating soon after surgery
Flexing her ankles
Massaging her legs
Elevating her feet
The Correct Answer is C
A) Ambulating soon after surgery: Early ambulation is encouraged for postoperative clients to promote circulation and reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Mobilizing helps prevent stasis of blood in the veins, making this an appropriate action rather than an unsafe one.
B) Flexing her ankles: Ankle flexion exercises can help improve venous return and circulation in the lower extremities. This action is generally recommended to prevent VTE, making it a safe and beneficial practice for postoperative clients.
C) Massaging her legs: Massaging the legs is considered unsafe for a client at risk for VTE. This action can dislodge a thrombus (blood clot) if one is present, leading to potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid leg massages.
D) Elevating her feet: Elevating the feet is a recommended practice to promote venous return and reduce swelling in postoperative clients. This action can help prevent VTE and is generally considered safe and beneficial.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Intermittent claudication: This symptom is indicative of arterial insufficiency, not chronic venous insufficiency. Intermittent claudication is characterized by pain in the legs during activity due to insufficient blood flow, which is not typical in venous conditions.
B) Decreased pedal pulses: In chronic venous insufficiency, pedal pulses are usually normal. Decreased pedal pulses suggest arterial disease, where blood flow is compromised. Thus, this finding would not be expected in a client with venous insufficiency.
C) Bronze/brown discoloration of the skin: This is a hallmark finding in chronic venous insufficiency. The discoloration occurs due to the deposition of hemosiderin from the breakdown of red blood cells, which is a result of prolonged venous stasis and chronic edema, particularly around the lower extremities.
D) Cool skin temperature: Skin temperature in chronic venous insufficiency is typically warm due to increased blood flow and stasis in the veins. Cool skin temperature is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, where blood supply is reduced and can lead to cooler extremities.
E) Full screen mode is in effect during your proctored testing: This statement is irrelevant to the clinical assessment of chronic venous insufficiency and serves no purpose in understanding the client’s condition. It does not contribute to the assessment findings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Shiny, hairless lower extremities: In advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the skin on the lower extremities often appears shiny and hairless due to reduced blood flow. The lack of hair growth and the shiny appearance are indicative of ischemia and poor circulation, making this a common finding in clients with advanced PAD.
B) Warm lower extremities: This finding is not typical in advanced PAD. Due to compromised blood flow, the lower extremities are more likely to feel cool or cold to the touch rather than warm. Warm skin can indicate good blood flow, which is usually absent in cases of significant arterial disease.
C) Thin toenails: In advanced PAD, toenails may become thin and brittle due to insufficient blood supply, which can lead to impaired nail growth. This change is consistent with the overall effects of reduced circulation and is an expected finding in clients with advanced PAD.
D) Lower extremity bilateral pulse 3+: A 3+ pulse indicates a strong and bounding pulse, which is not typically present in advanced PAD. In fact, patients with PAD often exhibit diminished or absent pulses in the affected extremities due to poor arterial circulation. Therefore, this finding does not align with the expected assessment results for advanced PAD.