The nurse is caring for a 79-year-old man who has returned to the postsurgical unit following abdominal surgery
The patient is unable to ambulate and is now refusing to wear an external pneumatic compression stocking. The nurse should explain that refusing to wear external pneumatic compression stockings increases his risk of what postsurgical complication?
A) Sepsis
B) Infection
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Hematoma
Ans: C
Feedback:
Patients who have surgery that limits mobility are at an increased risk for pulmonary embolism secondary to deep vein thrombosis. The use of an external pneumatic compression stocking significantly reduces the risk by increasing venous return to the heart and limiting blood stasis. The risk of infection or sepsis would not be affected by an external pneumatic compression stocking. A hematoma or bruise would not be affected by the external pneumatic compression stocking unless the stockings were placed directly over the hematoma.
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