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
a.Pancrelipase does not directly impact respiratory function. It is an enzyme replacement therapy used to aid digestion by compensating for the lack of pancreatic enzymes, not to improve lung function.
b.Cystic fibrosis affects sodium and chloride transport, leading to higher sodium levels in sweat. However, pancrelipase does not affect sodium excretion; it focuses on aiding digestion.
c.Pancrelipase helps with the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and are not typically affected by the enzyme therapy used for fat digestion.
d.This is the correct answer. Pancrelipase contains enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) that help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. In cystic fibrosis, pancreatic enzyme production is often insufficient, leading to malabsorption and steatorrhea (excessive fat in the stools). By providing the necessary enzymes, pancrelipase helps improve the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, reducing the fat content in the stools.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication that is commonly delivered through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. Proper inhaler technique is crucial for effective delivery of the medication to the lungs.
Option (a) is incorrect because the client should actually tilt their head back slightly and breathe out fully before inhaling the medication.
Option (b) is incorrect because the client should take a slow, deep breath in while depressing the canister once.
Option (d) is incorrect because the client should hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication to allow it to reach the lungs.
Therefore, the correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching is to instruct the client to close their mouth around the mouthpiece of the inhaler to ensure that the medication is delivered directly to the lungs.
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