Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is post-op. To prevent formation of thrombi in the post-op period, the nurse should do which of the following?

a. change the client's position every 4 hr
b. have the client perform dorsal and plantar flexion of the feet every hour
c. place the client in bed with a pillow under the knees
d. assess pedal and posterior tibial pulses every 2 hr

Answer 1

To prevent formation of thrombi, the nurse should have the client perform dorsal and plantar flexion of the feet every hour and change the client's position every 4 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent formation of thrombi in the post-op period, the nurse should have the client perform dorsal and plantar flexion of the feet every hour. This helps to promote blood flow and prevent blood clots from forming. In addition, the nurse should also change the client's position every 4 hours to prevent stagnant blood flow and encourage circulation.

The other options mentioned, such as placing a pillow under the knees and assessing pedal and posterior tibial pulses every 2 hours, are important for overall post-operative care but may not directly prevent formation of thrombi.