A nurse is reinforcing preoperative teaching with a client who will undergo abdominal surgery. The nurse explains that the client will wear antiembolism stockings after the procedure. When the client asks what the stockings do, which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. A critical pathway for clients who have had a stroke:
Critical pathways are structured multidisciplinary care plans that outline essential steps in the care of patients with specific conditions. While critical pathways are valuable tools for standardized care, they are not specifically focused on health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

B. Standards of care for monitoring clients who have a history of blood pressure elevation:
Standards of care typically outline the minimum level of care that should be provided to clients based on evidence-based practice. While monitoring clients with a history of blood pressure elevation is important, it does not encompass the comprehensive health promotion activities related to hypertension.

C. Acute care facility protocols for clients experiencing an abrupt change in mental status:
Acute care facility protocols are designed to guide the management of acute changes in a patient's condition. While relevant to patient care, these protocols do not specifically address health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

D. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of high blood pressure:
Clinical practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of specific health conditions. They typically include information on health promotion activities, risk factor modification, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacological management for clients with hypertension. Therefore, clinical practice guidelines are the most appropriate resource for information on health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

A. A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) who reports chest pain radiating to the jaw: This patient should be evaluated first. Chest pain radiating to the jaw can be a sign of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening condition. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent further damage to the heart muscle.

B. A patient with venous insufficiency with 2+ pitting edema: While this patient’s condition needs to be addressed, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a potential heart attack. Venous insufficiency and edema can lead to discomfort and complications if left untreated, but these complications are typically not immediate.

C. A patient receiving enoxaparin (Lovenox) for experiencing an MI 3 days ago: This patient is already receiving treatment for their condition. While they should be monitored for side effects of the medication and signs of further cardiac issues, they are not the highest priority based on the information given.

D. A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) with a diminished pulse: While a diminished pulse can indicate poor blood flow, which can lead to complications such as tissue damage and non-healing wounds, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a potential heart attack. This patient should be evaluated, but they are not the highest priority based on the information given.