A prenatal client is experiencing calf pain when she walks. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to implement?
Instruct the client to limit walking episodes.
Tell the client that this is normal during pregnancy.
Gather further assessment data
Instruct the client to elevate the legs consistently throughout the day.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Limiting walking episodes may reduce discomfort but does not address the underlying issue or potential complications.
B. While leg cramps can be common during pregnancy, calf pain could also indicate a more serious condition, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and should not be dismissed as normal without further investigation.
C. Gathering further assessment data is crucial to determine the cause of the calf pain, as it may indicate DVT, a potentially life-threatening condition. The nurse should assess for other symptoms like swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg.
D. Instructing the client to elevate the legs may be appropriate for general discomfort, but without proper assessment, it may not be the correct intervention if DVT is present.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Airway patency is the highest priority following a thyroidectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from swelling or hematoma formation near the surgical site. Compromised airway can lead to respiratory distress and requires immediate attention.
B. While monitoring temperature is important for detecting potential infections, it is not the immediate priority.
C. Pain control is important for comfort and recovery, but it is not life-threatening.
D. Urination should be monitored postoperatively, but it is not as critical as ensuring a patent airway.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Discomfort at the puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis and typically managed with analgesics.
B. A decreased temperature is not a common complication of thoracentesis and might indicate other issues, but it is not immediately alarming.
C. An increased heart rate (tachycardia) could be a sign of a pneumothorax, hemorrhage, or other serious complications following thoracentesis. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. Serosanguineous drainage is expected to some extent, but it should be monitored for changes that might indicate a complication such as infection or continued bleeding.