A nurse is assisting with the care of a postoperative client who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs. Which data should the nurse recognize as an indication of a septic reaction to the blood transfusion?

Choice A reason: Delaying ambulation until the next day is not an appropriate intervention, as it can cause stiffness, muscle weakness, or joint contractures in the affected knee. The nurse should encourage regular exercise and activity within the client's tolerance level to maintain joint mobility and function.

Choice B reason: Applying moist heat prior to ambulation is an appropriate intervention, as it can reduce pain and inflammation in the affected knee by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles and tendons around the joint.

Choice C reason: Using a continuous passive motion machine is not an appropriate intervention for osteoarthritis, as it is mainly used after knee replacement surgery to prevent scar tissue formation and improve range of motion in the new joint.

Choice D reason: Restricting intake of dairy products is not an appropriate intervention for osteoarthritis, as dairy products are good sources of calcium and vitamin D that can support bone health and prevent osteoporosis. The nurse should advise the client to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products.

Choice A reason: Keeping both arms below the level of the client's heart can increase venous pressure and fluid accumulation in the affected arm, which can lead to lymphedema.

Choice B reason: After a mastectomy, it’s important to avoid procedures like blood draws, injections, or blood pressure measurements on the side where the surgery was performed to prevent lymphedema. Therefore, using the client’s left arm for blood samples is a preventive measure.

Choice C reason: Obtaining blood pressure readings using the client's right arm is an incorrect action that can increase lymphatic fluid accumulation and impair circulation in the affected arm.

Choice D reason: Limiting range-of-motion exercises with the affected arm is an incorrect action that can decrease lymphatic drainage and increase swelling in the affected arm. The nurse should encourage the client to perform gentle exercises, such as squeezing a soft ball or raising and lowering the arm, to promote lymphatic flow and prevent stiffness.