A nurse is providing teaching to a patient with chronic venous insufficiency. Which of the following should be included in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
Walking is contraindicated and bed rest as much as possible is recommended
Dangle" legs on the side of the bed several times per day
Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods
Elevate legs above heart level for 20-30 minutes. 4-5 times per day
Use compression stockings to decrease swelling
Correct Answer : C,D,E
A) Walking is contraindicated and bed rest as much as possible is recommended:
. Walking is actually highly recommended for patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Gentle, regular physical activity, such as walking, helps improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood pooling in the lower extremities. Bed rest is not typically recommended unless the patient has severe symptoms like ulcers or active infection. In fact, staying active can promote better venous return and prevent worsening of CVI.
B) Dangle legs on the side of the bed several times per day:
. Dangling the legs can exacerbate venous stasis (blood pooling in the veins), which worsens symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Instead of dangling the legs, patients should focus on elevating the legs to reduce swelling and improve venous return. Dangle the legs only if advised by a healthcare provider for specific reasons, such as short periods of time to encourage blood flow after immobility.
C) Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods:
. One of the key recommendations for managing chronic venous insufficiency is to avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Remaining in one position for too long can cause blood to pool in the lower extremities, leading to increased swelling, pain, and discomfort. It’s important to encourage frequent position changes and movement, such as standing up or walking around if sitting, or sitting down to rest if standing for prolonged periods.
D) Elevate legs above heart level for 20-30 minutes, 4-5 times per day:
. Elevating the legs above heart level is a key intervention for patients with chronic venous insufficiency. This helps reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing the pressure in the veins. Elevating the legs for 20-30 minutes, several times a day (4-5 times) can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications, such as ulcers and skin changes.
E) Use compression stockings to decrease swelling:
. Compression stockings are a cornerstone of managing chronic venous insufficiency. They help improve venous return, prevent blood from pooling in the lower legs, and reduce swelling. The stockings should be properly fitted and worn throughout the day (except when sleeping) to provide continuous support and minimize the risk of complications associated with CVI, such as venous ulcers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Early ambulation can help keep your lungs expanded and prevent pneumonia":
This statement is correct. Early ambulation is beneficial for respiratory function as it helps to keep the lungs expanded, encouraging deeper breaths and better oxygenation. This can help prevent complications like pneumonia and atelectasis, which are common after surgery due to immobility and anesthesia.
B. "Early ambulation is one part of preventing blood clots from forming in your legs":
This statement is also correct. Early ambulation is an important measure in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are common postoperative complications. Movement and walking promote circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.
C. "Early ambulation usually delays wound healing and increases the risk of wound infection":
This statement is incorrect. Early ambulation does not delay wound healing or increase the risk of infection. In fact, early movement can help improve circulation, which is crucial for wound healing and tissue repair. Gentle movement and ambulation typically have positive effects on wound healing by promoting blood flow to the surgical site. However, patients should avoid excessive strain or stress on the wound to prevent dehiscence or other complications.
D. "Early ambulation can help your bladder and bowels recover from the anesthesia":
This statement is correct. Early ambulation helps stimulate gastrointestinal and urinary systems, which may be sluggish after anesthesia. Walking can encourage the return of normal bowel and bladder function by promoting peristalsis and helping to prevent constipation or urinary retention, both of which can be common after surgery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Obtain samples for urine culture and urinalysis:
This is the first priority. The symptoms described—urinary frequency, dysuria (painful urination), and fever—are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). To confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism, it is critical to obtain a urine sample for both a urinalysis and urine culture. The culture will help guide antibiotic therapy once the organism is identified. This is the foundational step before initiating any treatment. The results will also help determine whether the infection is localized or more severe, like a pyelonephritis
or systemic infection.
B) Insert a Foley catheter:
Inserting a Foley catheter may be necessary if the patient is unable to void, but it is not the first intervention in this case. A Foley catheter is generally used for urinary retention or if monitoring of urine output is necessary. In the context of suspected UTI symptoms, a Foley catheter should only be inserted if there is a clear need, not just for the convenience of obtaining a sample. Additionally, inserting a Foley catheter could introduce bacteria if the patient is not already catheterized and should therefore be avoided unless medically indicated.
C) Begin broad-spectrum IV antibiotics:
While starting antibiotics is important in treating a suspected UTI, especially in the presence of fever and potential infection, obtaining a urine sample for culture and urinalysis should be done first. This allows the healthcare team to tailor antibiotic therapy based on the culture results, reducing the risk of unnecessary or incorrect antibiotic use. If the patient is febrile and appears severely ill, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be started after obtaining the urine sample, but the culture and urinalysis must still be prioritized.
D) Prepare the client for a CT scan:
While imaging studies like a CT scan may be helpful in evaluating for complications, they are not the first step in managing the patient’s symptoms. Obtaining the urine sample and identifying whether an infection is present is essential for guiding further management. A CT scan may be ordered later if the clinical suspicion for complications remains high after the initial evaluation and lab results.
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