A client with a history of alcohol addiction says, "My body feels fine when I abstain from alcohol consumption, but I miss my late night glasses of wine." Which concept should the nurse discuss with the client?

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.

A. Monitor ETT markings between 22 and 26 cm at teeth line: Proper depth of the ETT is essential to ensure the tube is not inserted too far into one bronchus or too shallow, which could compromise ventilation. Observing the markings provides an initial guide to placement.

B. Obtain a portable chest x-ray to verify ETT location: A chest x-ray is the gold standard for confirming ETT placement in the trachea and ensuring it is positioned above the carina. This helps prevent complications such as right mainstem bronchus intubation.

C. Check for capillary refill of 3 seconds or less: Capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion, not ETT placement or airway patency. It is not a reliable indicator for correct intubation.

D. Assess for symmetrical chest movement: Symmetrical chest rise indicates both lungs are being ventilated, suggesting proper ETT positioning and preventing unilateral lung ventilation.

E. Auscultate for presence of bilateral breath sounds: Listening for breath sounds in both lungs confirms that the tube is in the trachea rather than a bronchus. Absence of unilateral breath sounds may indicate malposition.