Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative following a knee arthroplasty and requires the use of thigh-length sequential compression sleeves. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Correct answer: C. Make sure two fingers can fit under the sleeves.
Rationale: Ensuring two fingers can fit under the sleeves helps prevent restricting circulation and ensures proper fit for effective compression therapy. This allows for adequate circulation while providing the necessary compression to prevent blood clots postoperatively.
Summary of other choices:
A: Assisting the patient into a prone position is not necessary for applying thigh-length compression sleeves.
B: Placing the sleeve with the opening facing up is incorrect as it may hinder the proper functioning of the sequential compression device.
D: Setting ankle pressure at 65 mm Hg is incorrect as the focus should be on ensuring proper fit rather than specific pressure settings.
Rationale: Ensuring two fingers can fit under the sleeves helps prevent restricting circulation and ensures proper fit for effective compression therapy. This allows for adequate circulation while providing the necessary compression to prevent blood clots postoperatively.
Summary of other choices:
A: Assisting the patient into a prone position is not necessary for applying thigh-length compression sleeves.
B: Placing the sleeve with the opening facing up is incorrect as it may hinder the proper functioning of the sequential compression device.
D: Setting ankle pressure at 65 mm Hg is incorrect as the focus should be on ensuring proper fit rather than specific pressure settings.