PN ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL 2023
PN ADULT MEDICAL SURGICAL 2023 ( 78 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a right radical mastectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the development of lymphedema?
Keeping both arms below the level of the client's heart doesn't specifically address the prevention of lymphedema and might not be necessary for this purpose.
Limiting range-of-motion exercises with the affected arm could potentially contribute to stiffness and reduced function, but appropriate and gradual range-of-motion exercises are generally recommended to prevent lymphedema.
Using the client's left arm to obtain blood samples is correct. Lymphedema can occur due to the disruption of lymphatic vessels during surgery, leading to the accumulation of lymph fluid. To reduce the risk of lymphedema, medical procedures or blood draws should typically avoid using the affected arm. In this case, after a right radical mastectomy, using the left arm for blood samples can help protect the compromised lymphatic system in the right arm.
Obtaining blood pressure readings using the client's right arm is not directly related to preventing lymphedema. However, excessive pressure or trauma to the affected arm should generally be avoided to reduce the risk of lymphedema.
Choice A Reason:
Keeping both arms below the level of the client's heart doesn't specifically address the prevention of lymphedema and might not be necessary for this purpose.
Choice B Reason:
Limiting range-of-motion exercises with the affected arm could potentially contribute to stiffness and reduced function, but appropriate and gradual range-of-motion exercises are generally recommended to prevent lymphedema.
Choice C Reason:
Using the client's left arm to obtain blood samples is correct. Lymphedema can occur due to the disruption of lymphatic vessels during surgery, leading to the accumulation of lymph fluid. To reduce the risk of lymphedema, medical procedures or blood draws should typically avoid using the affected arm. In this case, after a right radical mastectomy, using the left arm for blood samples can help protect the compromised lymphatic system in the right arm.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining blood pressure readings using the client's right arm is not directly related to preventing lymphedema. However, excessive pressure or trauma to the affected arm should generally be avoided to reduce the risk of lymphedema.
