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"A client at 36 hours' postpartum is being treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin (Lovenox) for left calf deep vein thrombosis. Which client adaptation is of most concern to the nurse who is monitoring the client?

A. Dyspnea
B. Pulse rate of 62
C. Blood pressure of 136/88
D. Positive left leg Homans' sign"

User Ali Arslan
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Among the adaptations of a postpartum client treated for deep vein thrombosis, dyspnea is the most concerning, as it could indicate a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, a potential complication of DVT.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client at 36 hours postpartum being treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin (Lovenox) for left calf deep vein thrombosis (DVT) presents several adaptations that could be of concern to a monitoring nurse. Among the listed adaptations, dyspnea (A) is the most concerning. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition where a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. This is a potential complication of DVT. A pulse rate of 62 (B) can be normal for some people, especially if they are physically fit. A blood pressure of 136/88 (C) is slightly elevated but not immediately alarming postpartum. A positive left leg Homans' sign (D) indicates discomfort in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot and can be a sign of a DVT, which the patient is already diagnosed with and being treated for. Therefore, while a positive Homans' sign is relevant to the patient's condition, it is not as emergent as dyspnea, which suggests a possible pulmonary embolism requiring immediate intervention.

User RNA
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