A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is 2 days postoperative and reports pain in their calf. Which of the following actions should the nurse include?
Monitor the client's pulse oximetry.
Instruct the client to massage the calf gently.
Maintain the leg in a dependent position while in bed.
Apply a cold compress to the client's calf.
The Correct Answer is A
Pain in the calf can be a potential symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication after surgery. Monitoring the client's pulse oximetry can help assess for signs of decreased oxygenation, which may indicate a possible clot or compromised circulation. A decrease in oxygen saturation can be an early indicator of a potential DVT-related complication, such as a pulmonary embolism. Monitoring the pulse oximetry can provide valuable information for timely intervention and management.
Instructing the client to massage the calf gently is not advisable without further assessment and evaluation. Massaging the calf can potentially dislodge a clot if one is present, leading to further complications. It is important to rule out DVT through appropriate diagnostic measures before providing specific instructions for calf massage.
Maintaining the leg in a dependent position while in bed can potentially worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of venous stasis. Elevating the affected leg, rather than maintaining it in a dependent position, can help improve venous return and reduce pain or swelling.
Applying a cold compress to the client's calf is not recommended without further assessment. Heat or cold therapy should be applied based on the underlying cause of the pain. In the case of potential DVT, applying a cold compress can increase vasoconstriction and potentially worsen the condition. It is essential to investigate the cause of the pain first and consult with the healthcare provider before initiating any specific therapies or interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The cervical cap should be left in place for a minimum of 6 hours after intercourse but should not exceed a total of 48 hours of continuous use. Leaving it in place for longer periods may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and other potential complications. Using a cervical cap in combination with a spermicide is the recommended practice for maximizing its effectiveness. Spermicide helps immobilize or kill sperm, providing an additional barrier against pregnancy when used with the cervical cap.
Using the cervical cap during the menstrual cycle is not a recommended practice for contraception. The cervical cap is primarily used during sexual activity as a barrier method of contraception and is not specifically designed for use during menstruation.
While it is important for the provider to initially fit and size the cervical cap for the client, routine checks every 6 months are not necessary. However, it is still important for the client to regularly inspect the cap for any signs of damage or deterioration and replace it as needed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Incident report.
Whenever a medication error occurs, it should be documented in an incident report. The purpose of the incident report is to document the details of the event, including what happened, why it happened, and what was done to prevent it from happening again. Incident reports are not part of the client's medical record and are not used for disciplinary action. They are used for quality improvement and risk management purposes.
The nursing care plan is a document that outlines the client's nursing care needs and interventions. It is not the appropriate place to document a medication error.
The controlled substance inventory record is used to document the administration and dispensing of controlled substances. It is not the appropriate place to document a medication error.
The provider's progress notes document the provider's assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan for the client. They are not the appropriate place to document a medication error.
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