Author Question: The nurse instructs the postoperative patient to perform leg exercises every hour in order to do ... (Read 26 times)

clmills979 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse instructs the postoperative patient to perform leg exercises every hour in order to do which of the following?

a. Maintain muscle tone.
b. Increase venous return.
c. Exercise fatigued muscles.
d. Assess range of joint motion.

Question 2

A 47-year-old woman with a history of diabetes and hypertension calls the clinic complaining of epigastric pain and shortness of breath with activity. She has taken antacids with no relief. What type of pain is the patient experiencing?

a. Pericardial pain
b. Pleuritic chest pain
c. Musculoskeletal pain
d. Cardiac pain

CourtneyCNorton · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The number one priority in a surgical setting is to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complications. By increasing venous return there is less stasis therefore decreasing the risk of DVT. Early measures directed at preventing venous stasis are aimed at preventing DVT during convalescence. On the surgical nursing unit, begin these interventions as soon as possible. Encourage patients to perform leg exercises at least every hour while awake unless contraindicated by surgery. Maintaining muscle tone, exercising fatigued muscles, and assessing range of joint motion are all reasons to perform leg exercises.

Answer to Question 2

D
Some women have epigastric pain, complaints of indigestion, or a choking feeling and dyspnea when experiencing cardiac pain. Cardiac pain does not occur with respiratory variations. Cardiac pain is most often substernal and typically radiates to the left arm and jaw in men. Pericardial pain resulting from an inflammation of the pericardial sac is usually nonradiating and often occurs with inspiration or when leaning forward. Pleuritic chest pain is peripheral and usually radiates to the scapular regions. Inspiratory maneuvers such as coughing, yawning, and sighing aggravate pleuritic chest pain. An inflammation or infection in the pleural space usually causes pleuritic chest pain. Musculoskeletal pain is often present following exercise, rib trauma, and prolonged coughing episodes. Inspiratory movements aggravate the pain and are easily confused with pleuritic chest pain.