The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has just been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the right leg. Which focused assessment question has the highest priority for this patient?
A) "Do you have a headache or any dizziness?"
B) "Do you have any chest pain or shortness of breath?"
C) "When did you first notice the swelling and redness in your leg?"
D) "Do you have any cramping or muscle spasms in your leg?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The highest risk of a DVT is the potential for the clot to break free and travel through the bloodstream to cause a pulmonary embolus (PE). The nurse should ask the patient about chest pain or shortness of breath to assess if a PE may have occurred.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Postoperative Patient Who Has