Question

a client who is two days postoperative from abdominal surgery reports pain, tenderness, and redness of the right calf. which additional findings are most critical for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

1. nausea and abdominal distention.
2. back pain and hematuria.
3. chest pain and shortness of breath.
4. mild redness around the surgical incision.

Explanation:

The client has postoperative abdominal surgery and now has calf pain, tenderness, and redness, which may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A pulmonary embolism (a life - threatening complication of DVT) presents with chest pain and shortness of breath. Nausea and abdominal distention are more related to gastrointestinal issues, not a DVT complication. Back pain and hematuria suggest a urinary system problem. Mild redness around the surgical incision is a normal postoperative finding or a minor wound issue, not as critical as a pulmonary embolism. So the most critical finding to report is chest pain and shortness of breath.

Answer:

1. Chest pain and shortness of breath.