Final answer:
Post-surgery, elevating the legs and using graduated compression stockings are crucial to prevent blood pooling and ensure proper venous return following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, priority nursing measures include elevation of the legs and application of graduated compression stockings. Elevating the legs helps to reduce the pooling of blood in the lower extremities, thereby decreasing the risk of swelling and potential complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Graduated compression stockings apply varying degrees of pressure along the legs, which supports the veins' functions and helps move blood back to the heart. These measures are vital, as they assist with improving venous return and maintaining adequate circulation post-surgery.
It is important to remember that maintaining healthy venous return is critical for patients who have undergone major vascular surgery. The use of compression stockings and elevation of the legs serve as simple but effective methods to ensure proper blood flow. Nurses play a crucial role in applying these measures and continuously monitoring the patient's vascular status including venous pressure measurements.