In which of the following situations should a nurse report a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
The woman complains of numbness in the toes and heel of one foot.
The woman has cramping pain in a calf that is relieved when the foot is dorsiflexed.
The veins in the ankle of one of the woman's legs are spider-like and purple.
The calf of one of the woman's legs is swollen, red, and warm to touch.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Numbness in the toes and heel might suggest nerve involvement but is not a typical sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which involves the veins, not nerves.
Choice B rationale
Pain relieved by dorsiflexion (positive Homan's sign) is not reliable for diagnosing DVT. This symptom is outdated and not considered a definitive sign.
Choice C rationale
Spider-like and purple veins suggest superficial varicose veins, not deep vein thrombosis, which affects deeper veins and presents differently.
Choice D rationale
Swelling, redness, and warmth in the calf are classic signs of DVT due to the inflammation and obstruction of deep veins. These symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation and intervention. .
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reflexes of 3+ indicate hyperreflexia, common in pre-eclampsia, but not necessarily critical. Monitoring is essential but not an emergency.
Choice B rationale
Urinary output of 30 mL/hr is within the acceptable range but requires monitoring for any changes. It's not a critical alert.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 rpm is normal and does not indicate immediate risk requiring physician notification.
Choice D rationale
Serum magnesium level of 10 mg/dL is significantly high, indicating potential toxicity. Immediate physician notification is critical to adjust magnesium sulfate administration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Massaging the fundus can help contract the uterus and reduce bleeding. Ensuring IV access is crucial for administering medications rapidly. Methylergonovine (Methergine) and oxytocin help stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
Administering pain medication might be necessary, but it doesn't address the immediate issue of uterine atony and hemorrhage. Surgical intervention is a last resort and should be prepared for only if medical management fails.
Choice C rationale
Reassessing vital signs and monitoring is important, but it doesn't provide an immediate solution to the bleeding and uterine atony. Immediate action to contract the uterus is crucial.
Choice D rationale
Contacting the attending physician is important, but immediate intervention to stop the bleeding and address uterine atony is critical to prevent further complications.