Complications of Postpartum Related

Review Complications of Postpartum related questions and content

A patient who has been on prolonged bedrest for bleeding associated with placenta previa was taken to the operating room for an emergency cesarean delivery. Sixteen hours postoperatively, the patient complains that her left leg is hurting. The nurse finds that the entire left leg is swollen and has pitting edema, while the right leg appears to be normal. Which order does the nurse anticipate when paging the health care provider to the room?

  • A. White blood cell count (WBC)
  • B. Ultrasound of the leg
  • C. X-ray of the leg
  • D. Serum creatinine
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The swollen and painful leg may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and an ultrasound is the appropriate diagnostic test.