Postoperative Complications (DVT/PE Prevention) Practice Test

A 72-year-old client is postoperative day 1 after open right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. History includes obesity and hypertension. Assessment: temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), heart rate 96/min, blood pressure 138/78 mm Hg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 96% on room air; client reports incisional pain 7/10 and has remained in bed except to use the bedside commode; sequential compression devices (SCDs) are at the bedside but not on the legs. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent DVT in this client?

A 70-year-old client is postoperative day 2 after partial colectomy. History includes atrial fibrillation (not anticoagulated pre-op) and chronic anemia. Current medications include unfractionated heparin 5,000 units subcutaneous every 8 hours for prophylaxis. Assessment: heart rate 90/min, blood pressure 128/72 mm Hg, respiratory rate 16/min; new oozing noted from the abdominal incision and gums bleed with oral care. Client is still mostly in bed. Which nursing action best addresses DVT/PE prevention while monitoring for anticoagulant complications?