Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has venous insufficiency about self-care. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the teaching?

1) The client will elevate the affected leg when sitting or lying down
2) The client will avoid wearing compression stockings
3) The client will engage in high-impact exercises
4) The client will consume a high-sodium diet

Answer 1

The client should elevate the affected leg when sitting or lying down.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates the client understands the teaching is 1) The client will elevate the affected leg when sitting or lying down.

Venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins have difficulty sending blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs. Elevating the affected leg helps to reduce swelling and improve blood flow by using the force of gravity to aid in venous return. This is an important self-care measure for managing venous insufficiency.

In contrast, wearing compression stockings is recommended because they provide external pressure to the legs, helping to support the veins and improve blood flow. High-impact exercises should be avoided because they increase the pressure in the legs and can worsen symptoms of venous insufficiency. Lastly, consuming a high-sodium diet can lead to fluid retention, which exacerbates swelling in the legs.