Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention methods include which of the following? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Administering antibiotics is essential for treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. However, it is not the immediate priority over maintaining oxygenation, especially in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Choice B reason: Starting IV fluids is crucial for preventing dehydration and helping to reduce the sickling of red blood cells. Nevertheless, while important, it is not the most urgent action compared to maintaining adequate oxygen levels.

Choice C reason: Assessing pain every 4 hours is necessary for managing the patient's comfort and monitoring the progression of the disease. Although pain management is a significant aspect of care, it is not the top priority in this scenario.

Choice D reason: Maintaining oxygenation is the highest priority for a patient with sickle cell disease. These patients are at increased risk for hypoxia, which can exacerbate the sickling of red blood cells, leading to severe complications such as acute chest syndrome or stroke. Ensuring adequate oxygenation helps to prevent these complications and stabilizes the patient's condition.

Choice A reason: Amber fluid is typically a sign of serous exudate, which is a normal part of the inflammatory process and wound healing. It indicates the body's immune response to the injury and is generally not a cause for concern unless the volume significantly increases or changes in appearance.

Choice B reason: Clear drainage, or serous fluid, is also a normal finding in wound healing. It indicates that the wound is exuding plasma, which helps to keep the wound moist and supports the healing process. This type of drainage is typically not worrisome unless there are other signs of infection or complications.

Choice C reason: Purulent, draining wound is a major concern as it indicates the presence of pus, which is often a sign of infection. Purulent drainage can be yellow, green, or brown and is usually thick and malodorous. The presence of pus suggests that there are bacteria or other pathogens in the wound, and immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent further complications and promote healing.

Choice D reason: Blood-tinged fluid, or serosanguinous drainage, is common in fresh wounds or after debridement. It indicates a mixture of plasma and red blood cells and can be seen in the early stages of wound healing. While it is generally not alarming, the nurse should monitor the volume and changes in the drainage to ensure there are no signs of excessive bleeding or infection.