Nclexrn Flashcards: Postoperative Complications Dvt Pe Prevention

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Postoperative Complications Dvt Pe Prevention, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Nclexrn.

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Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the most common initial clinical sign of postoperative DVT in an extremity?

Answer: Unilateral calf or leg swelling. Asymmetric swelling reflects venous obstruction from a thrombus in the affected limb.

Flashcard 2: Which patient position is most appropriate while managing suspected PE?

Answer: High Fowler position (upright) if tolerated. Upright positioning reduces respiratory effort and improves ventilation-perfusion matching in acute respiratory distress.

Flashcard 3: What laboratory test is used to monitor IV unfractionated heparin therapy?

Answer: aPTT. Monitors therapeutic levels to ensure effective anticoagulation without excessive bleeding risk.

Flashcard 4: What is the priority nursing intervention when PE is suspected after surgery?

Answer: Apply oxygen and call rapid response/activate emergency system. Addresses hypoxia and stabilizes the patient while summoning expert assistance for potential deterioration.

Flashcard 5: Which device provides intermittent pneumatic compression to prevent postoperative DVT?

Answer: Sequential compression device (SCD). Intermittent compression mimics muscle contractions to promote venous flow and prevent clot formation.

Flashcard 6: Which assessment finding is most consistent with acute pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Answer: Sudden dyspnea with tachycardia and pleuritic chest pain. These symptoms result from sudden pulmonary artery occlusion, impairing gas exchange and cardiac output.

Flashcard 7: Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of PE warning signs after discharge?

Answer: "I will seek urgent care for sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.". Recognizing acute symptoms of PE enables prompt medical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.

Flashcard 8: Which postoperative medication class is commonly prescribed specifically for DVT prophylaxis?

Answer: Anticoagulants (e.g., LMWH or unfractionated heparin). These agents inhibit clot formation by interfering with the coagulation cascade, targeting hypercoagulability in surgical patients.

Flashcard 9: What is the correct use rule for antiembolism stockings (TED hose) postoperatively?

Answer: Apply smoothly, remove daily to inspect skin, then reapply. Smooth application prevents constriction, and daily inspection detects skin issues early.

Flashcard 10: What is the correct positioning intervention to reduce venous stasis after surgery?

Answer: Elevate legs and avoid knee flexion or leg crossing. Elevation facilitates venous drainage while avoiding positions that compress veins, minimizing stasis risk.

Flashcard 11: Which medication is the antidote for warfarin-associated bleeding?

Answer: Vitamin K (phytonadione). Reverses warfarin's inhibition of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, restoring coagulation.

Flashcard 12: Which postoperative action best prevents venous stasis in a patient on bed rest?

Answer: Perform leg exercises (ankle pumps/ROM) regularly. Active range of motion exercises enhance circulation and prevent venous pooling in immobilized patients.

Flashcard 13: Which finding suggests antiembolism stockings are too tight and need adjustment?

Answer: Numbness/tingling, cool toes, or diminished distal pulses. These signs indicate compromised circulation due to excessive compression, requiring immediate adjustment to prevent tissue damage.

Flashcard 14: Which action should the nurse avoid when DVT is suspected postoperatively?

Answer: Do not massage the calf or affected extremity. Massage could dislodge the clot, leading to pulmonary embolism.

Flashcard 15: Which symptom pattern most strongly suggests DVT rather than normal postop soreness?

Answer: Unilateral calf pain/tenderness with warmth and erythema. Localized inflammation and pain differentiate DVT from bilateral postoperative muscle strain.

Flashcard 16: What is the priority nursing check before applying SCDs postoperatively?

Answer: Assess skin integrity and peripheral circulation. Ensures no contraindications like skin breakdown or impaired circulation that could worsen with compression.

Flashcard 17: What laboratory value is commonly monitored to evaluate warfarin therapy?

Answer: INR. Assesses the degree of anticoagulation by measuring prothrombin time, guiding dosage adjustments.

Flashcard 18: What is the single most effective postoperative nursing intervention to prevent DVT?

Answer: Early ambulation as soon as it is safe. Promotes venous return and reduces blood stasis in the lower extremities, a key factor in Virchow's triad for thrombosis prevention.

Flashcard 19: Which instruction is correct when a patient with SCDs gets out of bed to ambulate?

Answer: Remove SCD sleeves for ambulation and reapply afterward. Allows safe mobility while ensuring continued prophylaxis when the patient returns to bed rest.

Flashcard 20: What is the priority nursing action if DVT is suspected in a postoperative patient?

Answer: Stop ambulation and notify the provider immediately. Prevents potential embolization of the clot while alerting the provider for diagnostic confirmation.

Flashcard 21: Which postoperative assessment best verifies that SCDs are being used effectively?

Answer: Sleeves are on while in bed and the pump is cycling/compressing. Confirms proper device function and patient compliance during periods of immobility to maintain prophylaxis.

Flashcard 22: Which medication is the antidote for unfractionated heparin-associated bleeding?

Answer: Protamine sulfate. Binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effects rapidly in cases of overdose or hemorrhage.

Flashcard 23: Which nursing instruction best reduces DVT risk for a postoperative patient traveling home by car?

Answer: Stop often to walk and do ankle pumps during the trip. Frequent movement counteracts prolonged venous stasis associated with extended sitting during travel.

Flashcard 24: Which surgery type is associated with particularly high postoperative DVT/PE risk?

Answer: Hip or knee replacement (major orthopedic surgery). These procedures involve significant venous trauma and immobility, elevating thrombosis risk per evidence-based guidelines.

Flashcard 25: Which postoperative patient factor most increases risk for DVT and requires aggressive prophylaxis?

Answer: Immobility or prolonged bed rest. Stasis from inactivity is a primary component of Virchow's triad, necessitating interventions like compression or ambulation.