The nurse walks into the room to check on the patient and finds her massaging her leg. When questioned about it, she says, “It just hurts a little.” Assessment reveals decreased pedal pulse in that leg, with a red, hot, tender area on the midcalf. The nurse suspects thrombophlebitis.
What conditions might contribute to this complication?
What patient teaching and/or instructions should the patient have received to lessen the possibility of this happening?
What nursing diagnoses are appropriate in this case (both before and after)?
