Question

Based on the nurse's knowledge about the postpartum period and an increase in blood coagulability during the first 48 hours, the nurse closely assesses the client for which condition?

1) varicose veins
2) calcium depletion
3) thromboembolism
4) hyperglycemia

Answer 1

The nurse assesses the postpartum client for thromboembolism due to increased blood coagulability during the first 48 hours after childbirth, which significantly raises the risk of thrombosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the nurse's knowledge about the postpartum period and an increase in blood coagulability during the first 48 hours, the nurse closely assesses the client for the condition of thromboembolism. Postpartum women are at an increased risk for thrombosis due to several physiological changes during pregnancy, including increased blood volume, pressure on pelvic blood vessels by the growing uterus, and changes in the coagulation system making the blood more prone to clotting. This increased coagulability persists after childbirth, heightening the risk of blood clots forming in the veins, which can lead to potentially dangerous thromboembolic events such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).