The perioperative nurse is writing a care plan for a patient who has returned from surgery 2 hours prior. Which measure should the nurse implement to most decrease the patient's risk of developing pulmonary emboli (PE)?

Question

A) Early ambulation
B) Increased dietary intake of protein
C) Maintaining the patient in a supine position
D) Administering aspirin with warfarin

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
For patients at risk for PE, the most effective approach for prevention is to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Active leg exercises to avoid venous stasis, early ambulation, and use of elastic compression stocking are general preventive measures. The patient does not require increased dietary intake of protein directly related to prevention of PE, although it will assist in wound healing during the postoperative period. The patient should not be maintained in one position, but frequently repositioned, unless contraindicated by the surgical procedure. Aspirin should never be administered with warfarin because it will increase the patient's risk for bleeding.