The nurse is caring for a patient who develops a fever and reports right calf pain with a reddened and swollen calf. Which action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Measuring bilateral calf circumference daily is the correct action because it helps in monitoring the progression of the swelling and assessing for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which the symptoms suggest. Massaging the affected calf, placing ice, or using elastic stockings without a proper diagnosis could potentially worsen the condition if it is indeed a DVT.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Develops a Fever