A nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus about insulin therapy. Which of the following insulin combinations should the nurse instruct the client to mix?

A. Place pillows under the client's knees: Placing pillows under the knees can lead to venous stasis, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Prolonged knee flexion can also reduce circulation and contribute to joint stiffness. Instead, the client should be encouraged to keep their legs extended and change positions frequently to promote blood flow.

B. Avoid use of anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are commonly prescribed after surgery to prevent thromboembolic complications such as DVT and pulmonary embolism. Avoiding them may increase the client's risk of clot formation, especially if they have limited mobility. The decision to withhold anticoagulation should be based on specific contraindications rather than routine avoidance.

C. Discourage leg exercises while in bed: Leg exercises help prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of DVT. Discouraging movement can lead to complications such as impaired circulation, muscle stiffness, and clot formation. Encouraging active and passive range-of-motion exercises supports recovery and decreases the likelihood of postoperative complications.

D. Apply compression stockings to the lower extremities: Compression stockings help improve venous return and reduce the risk of clot formation by preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities. They are particularly beneficial for clients with limited mobility after surgery. Using them in combination with early ambulation and anticoagulation therapy further decreases the risk of thromboembolic events.

A. Temperature of 38° C (100.4° F): An elevated temperature may indicate infection, which is a potential complication of TPN due to the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections. However, fever is not a sign of fluid volume overload.

B. Urinary output of 20 mL in the past hour: Oliguria (low urine output) is more commonly associated with dehydration or renal impairment rather than fluid volume overload. In fluid overload, urine output may initially increase if kidney function is normal.

C. +1 pedal pulses: Weak pulses can indicate poor circulation, hypovolemia, or peripheral vascular disease. In fluid overload, bounding pulses rather than weak pulses are typically observed due to increased intravascular volume.

D. S3 heart sound: An S3 heart sound (ventricular gallop) occurs when excess fluid volume causes rapid ventricular filling, leading to abnormal heart sounds. This finding is a classic sign of fluid volume overload and can indicate heart failure or significant fluid retention.