The nurse is managing care for a patient with a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) of the right calf. The patient receives heparin intravenously (IV). What is the priority outcome for this patient?

1. The patient will comply with dietary restrictions.
2. The patient will keep the right leg elevated on two pillows.
3. The patient will not disturb the intravenous infusion.
4. The patient will not experience bleeding.


4
Rationale 1: Dietary restrictions are important but not the highest priority.
Rationale 2: Elevation of the affected extremity is important but not the highest priority.
Rationale 3: Disturbing the intravenous (IV) could relate to bleeding, but this does not directly correlate with heparin.
Rationale 4: An absence of bleeding is a priority outcome for any patient receiving anticoagulant therapy.
Global Rationale: An absence of bleeding is a priority outcome for any patient receiving anticoagulant therapy. Disturbing the intravenous (IV) could relate to bleeding, but this does not directly correlate with heparin. Dietary restrictions are important but not as high of a priority as an absence of bleeding. Elevation of the affected extremity is important but not as high of a priority as an absence of bleeding.

Nursing

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