Question

The nurse is assessing a client with superficial thrombophlebitis in the greater saphenous vein of the left leg. the client has "aching" in the leg. which finding indicates the nurse should contact the health care provider (hcp) to request a prescription to improve the client's comfort?

Answer 1

The nurse is assessing a client with superficial thrombophlebitis in the greater saphenous vein of the left leg. The client has “aching” in the leg. The red, warm, palpable linear cord along the vein that is painful on palpation indicates that the nurse should contact the health care provider (HCP) to request a prescription to improve the client’s comfort.

Thrombophlebitis is a common disease of the superficial veins that most commonly occurs in the lower extremities, especially in the great saphenous vein (vena saphena Magna), and is often connected with varicose veins. A more extensive superficial venous thrombosis may spread to the deep veins.

Answer 2

Answer:

The findings would be: red, warm, palpable linear cord along the vein that is painful on palpation.

Explanation:

Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of one or more veins caused by a blood clot, which usually happens in the legs or other lower parts of the body. Rarely, the disease can happen in the veins of the arms or neck. When blood clots are formed in more superficial veins and close to the surface of the skin, the disease is called superficial thrombophlebitis.

This disease can cause great discomfort and make the patient experience periods of intense pain. If the nurse notes that the patient has a warm, palpable red cord along the vein that is painful to palpate, the nurse should contact the healthcare professional (hcp) to request a prescription to improve the patient's comfort.