A nurse is teaching a client who is receiving radiation therapy about skin protection. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale for correct choices

• heparin 30 units/kg IV bolus once: The diagnostic ultrasound confirms a thrombus in the right leg, indicating acute DVT. Anticoagulation with heparin is the first-line intervention to prevent clot extension and pulmonary embolism. The lab values (normal platelets, normal INR) show no contraindication to starting anticoagulation.

• acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 4 hr PRN: Acetaminophen is appropriate for managing the client’s pain (rated 6/10) without increasing bleeding risk. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are avoided in DVT because they can impair platelet function and increase bleeding risk once anticoagulation is initiated.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• initiating fluid restriction: Fluid restriction is typically used in conditions like heart failure or hyponatremia, not DVT. Adequate hydration is beneficial in DVT because it helps maintain blood viscosity and supports circulation without affecting clot stability.

• maintaining the extremity below the level of the heart: Lowering the extremity increases venous pressure and can worsen swelling. For DVT, the extremity is usually elevated to promote venous return and reduce edema, so this option does not align with recommended care.

• administering cold packs to the extremity: Cold therapy can cause vasoconstriction and slow venous blood flow, which may worsen thrombosis. Warm compresses improve circulation but are used cautiously and only with provider guidance.

Rationale:

A. Evaluate why the client was not ambulated.: The first step in addressing a missed delegated task is to assess the reason it was not completed. Understanding whether barriers were related to the AP, client condition, workload, or communication helps the nurse plan corrective action and prevents recurrence.

B. Ambulate the client on behalf of the AP.: While ensuring the client’s needs are met is important, jumping straight to performing the task bypasses assessment of the underlying issue. Immediate action may address the symptom but not the cause of the missed delegation.

C. Supervise the AP performing the task.: Supervision is appropriate for ongoing tasks but is not the first action once a task has already been missed. The nurse must first determine why the task was not completed before implementing supervision.

D. Remind the AP of her assigned tasks.: Reminding the AP without assessing why the task was missed does not address potential systemic or situational barriers. It may be necessary later but is not the initial step in problem resolution.