An adult female client, who is an office worker, comes to the occupational health dinic with an edematous right leg twice the size of the left leg. The client reports that she is otherwise healthy, smokes 2 packs of cigarettes a day, and takes birth control pills on a regular basis. Which initial nursing action should the occupational health nurse take?

A. Vital signs are critical for assessing the client’s current hemodynamic status. Coffee-ground emesis can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which might lead to complications like hypovolemia or shock.

Vital signs can provide essential information about the client’s condition and help determine the urgency of intervention. Checking vital signs is a priority in assessing the severity of the situation and guiding further actions.
B. Measuring abdominal girth is useful in assessing for abdominal distention or fluid accumulation, which can be relevant in some gastrointestinal conditions. However, in the immediate context of coffee- ground emesis, the most urgent concern is evaluating the client's hemodynamic stability rather than focusing on abdominal girth.
C. Flushing of the skin might be relevant in certain contexts (e.g., reactions to medications or infections), but it is not directly related to the immediate concern of gastrointestinal bleeding and the client’s hemodynamic status. It is less critical compared to assessing vital signs in this situation.
D. While auscultating breath sounds is important for evaluating respiratory status and detecting any pulmonary complications, it is not the immediate priority in the context of coffee-ground emesis. The primary concern should be assessing for signs of hemodynamic instability that may result from gastrointestinal bleeding.

A. Chips and pretzels are high in sodium, which can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate symptoms of CVI. While reducing sodium intake can help manage fluid retention and swelling, it is not the most direct action for promoting circulation itself. It’s more of an adjunctive measure that can support overall management of CVI but does not directly improve venous circulation.
B. Mountain biking is an intense physical activity that may not be suitable for all clients with chronic venous insufficiency, especially if they have significant symptoms or mobility issues. High-impact exercises can potentially exacerbate symptoms or lead to injury. Low-impact activities are generally recommended to improve circulation and manage CVI.
C. Elevating the lower extremities is a highly effective measure for promoting circulation in clients with chronic venous insufficiency. It helps reduce venous pressure and promotes the return of blood to the heart, thereby alleviating swelling and discomfort. This action is directly beneficial in managing CVI.
D. Restricting fluid intake to water alone does not directly address the underlying issues of venous insufficiency. While managing overall fluid intake can be part of a comprehensive plan to prevent excessive fluid retention, it is not the most direct or effective action for promoting circulation compared to elevating the legs.