Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a deep-vein thrombosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

-Teach the client to massage the affected extremity.
-Instruct the client to elevate the affected extremity when sitting.
-Assess pulses proximal to the affected area.
-Apply a cold compress to the affected extremity.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to elevate the affected extremity when sitting to promote blood flow and prevent pooling of blood in the legs. Massage should be avoided, and pulses proximal to the affected area should be assessed with caution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the client to elevate the affected extremity when sitting in order to promote blood flow and prevent pooling of blood in the legs. Elevation helps to reduce swelling and improve overall circulation. Applying a cold compress to the affected extremity would not be helpful in this case as it may constrict blood vessels and impede blood flow.

Massaging the affected extremity is contraindicated in deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) as it can dislodge the blood clot and lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. Assessing pulses proximal to the affected area is important to evaluate blood flow and circulation, but it should be done with caution to avoid dislodging the clot.