The nurse is caring for a patient who had a total hip replacement yesterday. Based on the patient's risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli, which of the following would the nurse expect to find in the patient's plan of care? Select all that apply.
A) Bilateral thigh-high sequential compression stockings
B) Fragmin (dalteparin) 5,000 IU SQ every day
C) Strict bed rest for 3 days
D) Vital signs and pulse oximetry every 4 hr
E) Lovenox (enoxaparin) 30 mg IV push-single dose now
F) Aspirin 650 mg every 4 hr while awake

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient who had a total hip replacement is at a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary emboli (PE) due to immobility and surgery-related factors. To prevent these complications, the patient's plan of care should include measures to improve venous circulation, prophylactic anticoagulation, and close monitoring of vital signs and oxygen saturation. Bilateral thigh-high sequential compression stockings can prevent blood clots from forming in the legs by enhancing venous return. Fragmin (dalteparin) is a low-molecular-weight heparin that can reduce the risk of DVT and PE by inhibiting clot formation. Vital signs and pulse oximetry every 4 hours can detect early signs of hypoxemia, tachycardia, or hypotension that may indicate pulmonary emboli or other complications. Strict bed rest for 3 days is not recommended after hip replacement surgery, as it can increase the risk of thromboembolic events, respiratory complications, and pressure ulcers. Lovenox (enoxaparin) is administered subcutaneously, not intravenously, and needs to be given once or twice daily, depending on the patient's renal function and bleeding risk. Aspirin is not effective for preventing venous thromboembolism and can increase the risk of bleeding.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Had a Total