The patient, age 52, is recovering from a modified radical mastectomy. Why is postoperative elevation of the patient's arm important after this procedure?
a. To prevent vascular and lymph stasis, thus lymphedema
b. To prevent drainage accumulation at the incisional site
c. To prevent wound infection and dehiscence
d. To prevent pleural effusion and respiratory distress
ANS: A
If the arm is not restricted by dressings, it may be elevated on a pillow with the hand and wrist higher than the elbow and the elbow higher than the shoulder joint. This will facilitate the flow of fluids through the lymph and venous routes and prevent lymphedema.
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