A client comes to the Emergency Department complaining of pain in his left ankle. The client states, "I missed a step coming down the stairs, and landed funny." The ankle is swollen and tender to the touch. Which of the following would the nurse do to help control the swelling?
A) Apply heat to the ankle.
B) Tell the client to flex his left foot frequently.
C) Have him dangle the left leg over the side of the bed.
D) Raise the left leg above the level of the heart.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Raising the left leg above the level of the heart will help to reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing edema. Applying heat or having the client flex the left foot may actually increase swelling, and dangling the leg may not be effective in reducing swelling.

A Client Comes to the Emergency Department Complaining of Pain