Author Question: The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client recovering from deep venous ... (Read 81 times)

naturalchemist · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client recovering from deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Which instructions are appropriate for the nurse to include in the teaching session?

Select all that apply.
A) Avoid crossing the legs.
B) Avoid long car trips.
C) Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.
D) Take frequent walks.
E) Take a daily aspirin dose of 650 mg.

Question 2

A client recovering from a cesarean section is afebrile but is experiencing tenderness, localized heat, and redness of the left leg. Which intervention is the most appropriate based on this data?

A) Encourage to ambulate freely.
B) Provide aspirin 650 mg by mouth.
C) Place on bed rest.
D) Provide Methergine IM.

komodo7 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A, C, D

The client should be instructed to avoid crossing the legs because it increases pressure on the veins of the lower extremities. The client should be instructed also to avoid prolonged standing or sitting, which contributes to venous stasis. The client should also be instructed to take frequent walks to promote venous return. The client should not be instructed to take a daily aspirin, because it will increase anticoagulant activity and could interact with other medication prescribed for the treatment of the DVT. The client does not need to be instructed to avoid long car trips but rather to take frequent breaks during long car trips.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C

These symptoms indicate the presence of superficial thrombophlebitis. The treatment involves bed rest and elevation of the affected limb, analgesics, and the use of elastic support hose. Ambulation would increase the inflammation. Aspirin does have anticoagulant properties but may not be the medication of choice at this time. Methergine is given only for postpartum hemorrhage and would cause vasoconstriction of an already inflamed vessel.