Which statement should be included in discharge instructions for a postpartum client regarding leg swelling?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement should be included in discharge instructions for a postpartum client regarding leg swelling?

Leg swelling after delivery can signal a venous thromboembolism, because the postpartum period is a time of increased blood clotting. If swelling develops, especially in one leg and accompanied by warmth, redness, or calf tenderness, it requires prompt assessment to rule out a deep vein thrombosis and prevent a potential pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the instruction to include is to notify the provider immediately if a leg becomes swollen. This ensures timely evaluation—often with a leg Doppler ultrasound—and appropriate treatment if a clot is present, which protects the mother from serious complications. Why the other statements aren’t appropriate: taking NSAIDs without a prescription can pose safety risks and may mask symptoms or interact with breastfeeding or other conditions. Assuming swelling will resolve within 24 hours without any action ignores the possibility of a DVT. Applying heat to a swollen leg is not advised when clot risk is present, as heat can worsen inflammation and delay diagnosis.

Leg swelling after delivery can signal a venous thromboembolism, because the postpartum period is a time of increased blood clotting. If swelling develops, especially in one leg and accompanied by warmth, redness, or calf tenderness, it requires prompt assessment to rule out a deep vein thrombosis and prevent a potential pulmonary embolism.

Therefore, the instruction to include is to notify the provider immediately if a leg becomes swollen. This ensures timely evaluation—often with a leg Doppler ultrasound—and appropriate treatment if a clot is present, which protects the mother from serious complications.

Why the other statements aren’t appropriate: taking NSAIDs without a prescription can pose safety risks and may mask symptoms or interact with breastfeeding or other conditions. Assuming swelling will resolve within 24 hours without any action ignores the possibility of a DVT. Applying heat to a swollen leg is not advised when clot risk is present, as heat can worsen inflammation and delay diagnosis.

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