A nurse is caring for Caroline, a 54-year-old female who had a left-modified mastectomy 12 hours earlier. Which of the following post-operative nursing interventions promotes healing and prevention of complications?
Explanation
Answer: B - The client should be encouraged Caroline to perform simple exercises after the surgery, such as squeezing exercises with the affected hand, to promote circulation. The nurse should elevate the client’s arm on a pillow, with the hand should higher than the wrist and the elbow higher than the shoulder. Blood pressure measurements, blood tests, or needle sticks are not done on the affected arm. Extreme changes in temperature, such as use of saunas and hot tubs, must be avoided.
