Question

The nurse is providing health education to a client with chronic venous stasis ulcers. What priority instruction does the nurse include?

a. "Apply antiembolism stockings before getting out of bed in the morning."
b. "Clean venous ulcers with Betadine before applying a dressing."
c. "Take 1 low-dose aspirin (81 mg) daily to prevent inflammation."
d. "Remove and reapply a new DuoDerm dressing to your ulcers each day."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client with chronic venous stasis ulcers to apply antiembolism stockings before getting out of bed in the morning, as they help reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the legs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse providing health education to a client with chronic venous stasis ulcers should prioritize client instructions that help manage and prevent exacerbation of the condition. Priority instruction a. "Apply antiembolism stockings before getting out of bed in the morning." is essential. These graduated compression stockings are designed to apply pressure to the lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow, and reduce discomfort and swelling. Wearing the stockings can help prevent the accumulation of blood in the legs—a common issue for individuals experiencing venous stasis ulcers. Given that standing for long periods can lead to blood pooling and swelling, and the use of elastic bandages or compression can aid in preventing this, it stands to reason that for chronic venous situations, wearing antiembolism stockings or similar compression garments as a first step in the morning could be vital for managing symptoms throughout the day.