A nurse in a clinic is teaching preventative measures with a female client who has a history of deep-vein thrombosis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) A school-age child who is 2 days postoperative following an appendectomy and has a nasogastric tube: While this child requires regular monitoring and care, they are in a stable postoperative phase and do not show signs of acute distress that necessitate immediate attention over other clients.

B) A preschooler awaiting discharge instructions prior to leaving the hospital: This client is stable enough to be considered for discharge. While discharge instructions are important, they do not take priority over a client with potential respiratory distress.

C) A toddler who has a respiratory rate of 54/min: This client exhibits a significantly elevated respiratory rate, which can indicate respiratory distress or a serious underlying condition. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to ensure the toddler's airway and breathing are managed appropriately.

D) A school-age child who reports nausea following chemotherapy: While nausea following chemotherapy is uncomfortable and needs management, it is a known side effect and typically not life-threatening. This client's condition is less urgent compared to a toddler showing signs of potential respiratory distress.

A) "Sit with your legs in a dependent position when in a chair."
Sitting with legs in a dependent position can decrease blood flow and increase the risk of clot formation. It's important to elevate the legs when sitting to promote venous return and reduce the risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

B) "Prevent dehydration by drinking at least 2.5 liters fluids each day."
Staying well-hydrated helps maintain good blood circulation and prevents blood from becoming too viscous, reducing the risk of clot formation. Adequate fluid intake is crucial in preventing DVT.

C) "Massage your calves after sitting for 2 hours."
Massaging the calves is not recommended for someone with a history of DVT, as it may dislodge a clot. Instead, clients should be encouraged to move or stretch their legs regularly to improve circulation.

D) "Roll stretchy nylon stockings down to the upper part of your calves."
Proper use of compression stockings involves wearing them as prescribed, which typically means keeping them fully extended to ensure consistent pressure along the leg. Rolling them down can create a tourniquet effect and is not recommended.