A nurse is reinforcing teaching about testicular self-examination with a young adult client.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

Numbness of the affected extremity is not a classic symptom of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT primarily affects venous circulation, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, and warmth, rather than sensory deficits like numbness, which are more indicative of nerve involvement or arterial issues.

Choice B rationale

Muscle spasms are not a hallmark sign of DVT. They are typically associated with muscular or neuromuscular issues. DVT symptoms are more focused on vascular changes such as pain, swelling, and increased warmth in the affected area due to impaired venous return.

Choice C rationale

Warmth of the affected extremity occurs due to localized inflammation caused by clot formation in the vein. The body’s inflammatory response to the thrombus leads to vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area, resulting in the sensation of warmth upon palpation.

Choice D rationale

An absent pedal pulse is not indicative of DVT, as this condition involves venous, not arterial, circulation. A missing pulse suggests arterial occlusion or peripheral vascular disease, distinct from venous thromboembolism like DVT.

Choice A rationale

Odor is typical with colostomy stools, originating from bacterial digestion in the colon. It does not indicate pathology. Proper hygiene and dietary modifications help minimize it but are not alarming. Persistent foul odor could suggest infection, warranting medical review only if paired with other symptoms like fever.

Choice B rationale

Soft or unformed stools are consistent with colonic waste excretion post-colostomy. Stool consistency varies based on stoma location in the colon. Proximal colostomies generally produce less formed stools, and this finding is expected unless linked to diarrhea or dehydration concerns.

Choice C rationale

A purplish stoma indicates compromised blood flow and potential ischemia, necessitating immediate provider notification. Normal stoma color is pink to red, reflecting adequate perfusion. Stoma ischemia can lead to necrosis and systemic infection, requiring urgent surgical evaluation and management.

Choice D rationale

Slight bleeding around the stoma is typical, especially during cleaning or bag changes. The stoma is vascular and prone to minor trauma-induced bleeding. Persistent or heavy bleeding may indicate pathology, but slight bleeding is a benign and expected finding requiring no urgent action.