Question

To prevent thrombophlebitis in the immediate postoperative period, which action is most important for a nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

1 Increase fluid intake.
2 Restrict fluids.
3 Encourage early mobility.
4 Elevate the knee gatch of the bed.

Answer 1

The most important action to prevent thrombophlebitis postoperatively is to encourage early mobility, as it helps increase blood flow and reduce blood stasis in the veins. Increasing fluid intake is also beneficial, but early mobilization is paramount.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important action to prevent thrombophlebitis in the immediate postoperative period is encouraging early mobility. Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in the legs. The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is heightened after surgery due to immobility, which can cause blood to accumulate and clot within the veins. Early mobilization helps by increasing blood flow and reducing the stasis of blood in the veins. Additionally, increasing fluid intake can be beneficial to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to clot formation. While elevating the legs or using graduated compression stockings are helpful measures, they are supplementary to the primary approach of mobilizing the patient as soon as it's safe to do so after surgery.

After a cut or abrasion, monitoring for increased redness, swelling, and pain is crucial, as these symptoms could indicate infection or complications such as clot formation in the veins near the affected area. Therefore, prompt attention to changes in the wound condition is essential to prevent secondary complications, including thrombophlebitis.