Question

A client calls the nurse at the clinic and reports that ever since the vein ligation and stripping procedure was performed, she has been experiencing a sensation as though the affected leg is falling asleep. The nurse should make which response to the client?

1. "Apply warm packs to the leg."
2."Keep the leg elevated as much as possible."
3."Your health care provider needs to be contacted to report this problem." 4."This normally occurs after surgery and will subside when the edema goes down."

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to contact their health care provider to report the sensation of the leg falling asleep after vein ligation and stripping. The correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client calls the nurse reporting a sensation as if the affected leg is falling asleep following a vein ligation and stripping procedure, the nurse should advise that this could be a sign of a complication, and therefore the most appropriate response would be:

"Your health care provider needs to be contacted to report this problem." It is important to rule out potential issues such as nerve damage or deep vein thrombosis which may require immediate medical attention. While swelling and sensations of discomfort can be normal post-surgery, new or worsening symptoms like numbness.

Keeping the leg elevated and wearing compression stockings may generally help to alleviate swelling and support blood flow. However, numbness or 'falling asleep' sensations are not typical postoperative expectations and should be brought to a medical professional's attention.