A patient admitted to the hospital with a chronic venous insufficiency has physician's orders for bed rest with the feet elevated.How should the nurse elevate the patient's feet?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elevating the foot of the bed above the level of the patient's heart provides the maximum amount of elevation and ensures proper venous return to the heart. Using pillows under the calf of the affected leg or under the patient's feet alone may provide insufficient elevation, while elevating the bed at the knee may cause pressure on the popliteal vein and hinder venous return. Placing pillows under the patient's thighs and lower legs may also not provide enough elevation for adequate venous return.

A Patient Admitted to the Hospital with a Chronic Venous