A client recovering from major surgery asks a nurse about the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism postoperatively. What should the nurse include in the explanation of post-surgery risk factors?

A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics are not typically used as the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not blood clots.

B) Correct. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, is often the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.

C) Incorrect. Emergency surgical removal of the embolism is considered in severe cases but is not the common initial treatment approach.

D) Incorrect. Placement of a chest tube for drainage is not a standard treatment for pulmonary embolism; it is used for conditions involving pleural effusion or pneumothorax.

A) Incorrect. While surgical trauma can be a risk factor, it is not solely associated with incisions and scars.

B) Incorrect. The risk of pulmonary embolism after surgery is not low, and specific factors do contribute to the risk.

C) Correct. Prolonged immobility, surgical trauma, and changes in blood clotting are common risk factors for post-surgery pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Excessive fluid intake during recovery is not a primary risk factor for post-surgery pulmonary embolism.