A client with a history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is seen ...

[jerry coleman]

A client with a history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is seen in the clinic. Since the client is planning a long airplane flight, the nurse should instruct the client to:
 
  1. Do deep-breathing exercises every hour while awake.
  2. Keep the lower extremities elevated as much as possible during the flight.
  3. Restrict intake of fluids during the flight.
  4. Perform isometric exercises of the lower extremities every 2 hours.

Question 2

The nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment on an older client. Which of the following findings should be reported to the charge nurse?
 
  1. Sparse hair growth on his lower extremities
  2. Thin, pale facial hair
  3. The presence of bruising on his upper extremities
  4. A weak, thready, irregular pulse

[thall411]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4

1. Deep breathing will not help to promote venous return of blood.
2. Keeping the legs elevated will help some, but does not provide the pumping action that isometric exercise would.
3. Fluids should be encouraged.
4. Contraction of the skeletal muscles will help to open valves in the veins and propel blood back to the heart, thereby preventing stasis of blood.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4

1. Sparse hair growth on the lower extremities is normal for an older client.
2. Pale facial hair is a normal finding for an older client.
3. Bruising can occur in an older client and would be considered a normal finding.
4. It is not unusual for the elderly to have irregular beats, but the pulse should not be weak and thready.