More Questions on this topic
More Questions on this topic ( 18 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Which of the following nursing interventions is most effective in preventing DVT?
Applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to the lower extremities is the most effective nursing intervention in preventing DVT in a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT. SCDs are pneumatic devices that inflate and deflate around the legs to promote venous return and prevent stasis of blood, which can lead to clot formation.
Massaging the calves and thighs gently is not recommended for a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT. Massaging the affected area can dislodge a clot and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication of DVT.
Elevating the foot of the bed by 15 degrees is not an effective nursing intervention in preventing DVT in a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT. Elevating the foot of the bed can increase venous stasis and impair circulation, which can increase the risk of clot formation.
Encouraging early ambulation and leg exercises is an effective nursing intervention in preventing DVT in a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT, but not as effective as applying SCDs. Early ambulation and leg exercises can improve blood flow and prevent venous stasis, but they may not be feasible or safe for some patients who had spinal surgery, depending on their level of injury and mobility.
Choice A reason:
Applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to the lower extremities is the most effective nursing intervention in preventing DVT in a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT. SCDs are pneumatic devices that inflate and deflate around the legs to promote venous return and prevent stasis of blood, which can lead to clot formation.
Choice B reason:
Massaging the calves and thighs gently is not recommended for a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT. Massaging the affected area can dislodge a clot and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication of DVT.
Choice C reason:
Elevating the foot of the bed by 15 degrees is not an effective nursing intervention in preventing DVT in a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT. Elevating the foot of the bed can increase venous stasis and impair circulation, which can increase the risk of clot formation.
Choice D reason:
Encouraging early ambulation and leg exercises is an effective nursing intervention in preventing DVT in a patient who had spinal surgery and is at risk for DVT, but not as effective as applying SCDs. Early ambulation and leg exercises can improve blood flow and prevent venous stasis, but they may not be feasible or safe for some patients who had spinal surgery, depending on their level of injury and mobility.