The nurse is caring for a patient who reports unilateral leg swelling and discomfort one day after a total abdominal hysterectomy.D-dimer results are elevated and the patient has an order for a venous ultrasound.Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?
A)"Don't worry; it is probably just because of the IV fluids."
B)"Do you have a history of congestive heart failure?"
C)"Surgery increases the risk of blood clot formation, so these tests will help confirm that suspicion."
D)"It is important that you walk in the hall at least four times today to get your circulation moving."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and elevated D-dimer levels suggest a possible blood clot, which is a known complication of surgery. The venous ultrasound is ordered to confirm this suspicion and guide further treatment. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient about this potential complication in order to promote patient understanding and compliance with treatment recommendations. The nurse should also encourage the patient to follow any mobility or activity recommendations made by the healthcare provider in order to promote circulation and prevent clot formation. However, statement A is incorrect because unilateral leg swelling and discomfort are not typically caused by IV fluids alone. Statement B is also incorrect because the presence or absence of CHF is not directly relevant to the patient's symptoms or potential diagnosis. Statement D is partially correct in that mobility and activity are important interventions for preventing blood clots, but the focus should be on following specific recommendations made by the healthcare provider, rather than a specific number of laps around the hall.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Reports Unilateral