In planning care for a patient who has returned from surgery 2 hours prior, the nurse will implement which measure to decrease the patient's risk of developing a 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 is to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Active leg exercises to avoid venous stasis, early ambulation, and use of elastic compression stockings are general preventative 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 as it will increase the patient's risk for bleeding.