The items shown in the picture below are usually used in a client after surgery in the post-operative period… - AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

The equipment shown in the image is a Sequential Compression Device (SCD), a form of mechanical prophylaxis.
The primary purpose of an SCD is to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a common and dangerous complication of immobility.
SCDs work by intermittently inflating with air to squeeze the legs, which enhances venous blood return and prevents blood from pooling in the deep veins (venous stasis).
They are frequently used for patients after surgery who have limited mobility.

Option B: Shock is a life-threatening condition of inadequate tissue perfusion. SCDs are designed to promote venous return from the legs and do not directly treat or prevent the systemic circulatory collapse seen in shock.
Option C: Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints. SCDs apply pressure to the muscles and soft tissues of the legs, not the joints, and have no role in preventing or treating arthritis.
Option D: SCDs do not prevent bone fractures. They are used to prevent a secondary complication (DVT) that can result from the immobility required for a fracture to heal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Prevention of post-operative complications using mechanical prophylaxis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for applying SCDs correctly, ensuring a proper fit to maximize effectiveness and prevent complications like skin breakdown or nerve compression.
Regular neurovascular assessment of the lower extremities is a critical nursing intervention when a patient is using SCDs.
Patient education on the purpose of the device and safety precautions (e.g., fall risk due to tubing) is essential for compliance and safety.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the equipment shown in the image. Recognize the inflatable sleeves and tubing as a Sequential Compression Device (SCD) or Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) device.
Next, recall the primary clinical indication for this device. Its main function is mechanical prophylaxis against blood clots.
Consider the context provided in the question stem: 'after surgery in the post-operative period'. This period is associated with prolonged immobility.
Link immobility to its most common vascular complication: the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs.
Evaluate the given options. 'DVT' (Deep Vein Thrombosis) directly matches the primary purpose of the SCD.
Rule out the other options as they are not prevented by this device: Shock, Arthritis, and Fracture have different pathophysiologies and preventive measures.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Prevention of post-operative complications using mechanical prophylaxis.
Stem keywords: post-operative period, after surgery, prevent
Lead-in keywords: prevent
Clinical cues: The context 'after surgery in the post-operative period' points towards complications related to immobility.

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