A client who was discharged 3 days ago after an exploratory laparoscopic biopsy is admitted to the hospital with a warm, tender, reddened, and swollen left lower leg. The nurse is preparing to initiate heparin therapy. Which additional intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Maintain the client on bedrest.
Administer the client's routine daily aspirin.
Encourage a diet high in iron and ascorbic acid.
Encourage the client to dangle the legs frequently.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Maintain the client on bedrest: The client’s symptoms are consistent with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Bedrest with limited movement prevents dislodgment of the clot, which could otherwise travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This is the safest initial intervention while anticoagulation is being started.
B. Administer the client's routine daily aspirin: Aspirin has antiplatelet effects but is not the treatment of choice for acute DVT. Starting aspirin with heparin therapy is not recommended, as it increases the risk of bleeding without additional therapeutic benefit.
C. Encourage a diet high in iron and ascorbic acid: While iron and vitamin C support red blood cell production, this dietary intervention does not address the acute management of a thrombus. It may be useful in anemia prevention but is not a priority here.
D. Encourage the client to dangle the legs frequently: Dangling the legs promotes venous stasis and may worsen the clot or increase the risk of embolization. Clients with DVT should avoid activities that increase venous pooling until cleared by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Instruct to give additional dose if the baby vomits after administration: Giving an extra dose after vomiting can result in digoxin toxicity because the exact amount absorbed is uncertain. Parents should never repeat a dose without consulting the healthcare provider.
B. Demonstrate how to measure the correct amount of the oral solution: Accurate measurement is critical for safe digoxin administration, as small errors can lead to underdosing or toxicity. Using an appropriate oral syringe or dropper ensures the correct dose.
C. Notify the healthcare provider before giving digoxin if your baby is ill: Illness can affect heart rate, hydration, and electrolyte balance, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Parents should contact the provider to determine whether to hold or adjust the dose.
D. Show the correct technique to obtain an apical pulse: Digoxin can slow the heart rate. Parents should learn to assess the apical pulse for a full minute and understand the parameters for withholding medication based on heart rate guidelines.
E. Administer digoxin on a strict every 12-hour schedule: Maintaining consistent timing ensures stable blood levels, improving efficacy and reducing the risk of toxicity. A strict schedule is essential for therapeutic effectiveness.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
A. Fever greater than 101.5° F (38.6° C): Fever may indicate infection, such as meningitis or shunt infection, but it is not a primary sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in infants.
B. Decreased urinary output: Oliguria is not a typical early sign of increased ICP. While it can occur with severe systemic compromise, it is not a direct indicator of ICP changes.
C. Sunsetting eyes: The “sunsetting” sign, where the eyes appear driven downward with the sclera visible above the iris, is a classic indicator of increased ICP in infants due to hydrocephalus and should be closely monitored.
D. Bulging anterior fontanel: A bulging anterior fontanel reflects increased pressure within the cranial vault and is a key early sign of increased ICP in infants.
E. Jugular venous distension: Jugular venous distension is more indicative of cardiac or fluid overload issues rather than increased ICP in infants.
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