The nurse is planning care for a client who is experiencing chronic lymphedema of the left arm. What should be the priority for this patient?
1. Monitoring urine output.
2. Maintaining skin integrity.
3. Keeping the affected arm immobile and flat.
4. Increasing dietary sodium.
Answer: 2
1. Monitoring urine output closely is not necessary.
2. The skin of the affected limb is swollen and stretched, and can break down easily, causing infection. The nurse should plan to monitor the skin closely and provide skin care.
3. The affected arm is kept immobile and elevated to facilitate lymph drainage.
4. If the swelling is severe, sodium in the diet is restricted to prevent further swelling.
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