The nurse is reviewing the medical electronic record of a client with abdominal aortic aneurysm less than 3 cm in size. Which medical treatment should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for the client?

The information that the nurse should include in the discharge teaching for the client who is three days post-operative abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is as follows:

Notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of any redness or irritation of the incision: This is important because redness or irritation can be signs of infection or other complications at the surgical site. Prompt reporting allows for early intervention and management.

Do not lift anything more than 20 pounds: Following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, it is crucial to avoid heavy lifting or straining as it can put excessive pressure on the surgical site and potentially lead to complications such as incisional hernia. Restricting lifting to no more than 20 pounds helps to protect the incision and promote proper healing.

Inform the client that there may be pain not relieved with pain medication: Pain management is an essential aspect of post-operative care. However, it is important for the client to understand that complete relief of pain may not always be achievable with pain medication alone. They should be aware that mild to moderate discomfort may persist during the healing process, but severe or worsening pain should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Stress the importance of having daily bowel movements: After abdominal surgery, it is common for bowel movements to be delayed due to factors such as anesthesia, reduced activity, and pain medication. However, it is crucial for the client to maintain regular bowel movements to prevent constipation and potential complications such as bowel obstruction. The nurse should provide guidance on strategies to promote regular bowel function, such as staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, and using stool softeners or gentle laxatives as directed by the healthcare provider.

An ABI of 0.89 indicates a reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, which is suggestive of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, there is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. Medications like clopidogrel and simvastatin are commonly prescribed for individuals with PAD to manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.

Here's an explanation of why the other options are not the most appropriate interventions:

Document the information as a normal finding: An ABI of 0.89 is not considered a normal finding. An ABI value below 0.9 is generally indicative of PAD or reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.

Prepare the client for an arterial bypass: An ABI value of 0.89 alone does not warrant immediate preparation for an arterial bypass. Arterial bypass surgery is typically considered for severe cases of PAD with significant symptoms that significantly impact the client's quality of life and other conservative treatments have not been successful.

Educate the client about the use of compression stockings: While compression stockings may be a part of the overall management of PAD, the ABI result alone does not indicate an immediate need for education about compression stockings. Other interventions, such as medication management, lifestyle modifications, and possibly revascularization procedures, may be more appropriate based on the severity of the PAD.