The nurse is planning to admit a pregnant client who is obese. In planning care for this client, which potential client needs should the nurse anticipate?

The nurse is planning to admit a pregnant client who is obese. In planning care for this client, which potential client needs should the nurse anticipate?

• A. Bed rest as a necessary preventive measure may be prescribed.
• B. Administration of subcutaneous heparin postdelivery as prescribed.
• C. An overbed lift may be necessary if the client requires a cesarean section.
• D. Thromboembolism stockings or sequential compression devices may be prescribed.

Answer: (D)

Obesity during pregnancy markedly raises the risk of venous thromboembolism due to a combination of the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy and venous stasis from the larger body size. Because of this, preventing blood clots is a key part of care for an obese obstetric patient. Thromboembolism stockings or sequential compression devices provide mechanical prophylaxis by promoting venous return and reducing stasis, making them a standard anticipating need in this population. Other options aren’t as universally indicated. Bed rest is not routinely prescribed and can actually worsen venous stasis. Postdelivery administration of heparin might be used in some high-risk cases, but it’s not as universally anticipated as mechanical prophylaxis. An overbed lift could be helpful for mobility, but it’s not a specific anticipatory need tied to obesity in pregnancy.

Obesity during pregnancy markedly raises the risk of venous thromboembolism due to a combination of the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy and venous stasis from the larger body size. Because of this, preventing blood clots is a key part of care for an obese obstetric patient. Thromboembolism stockings or sequential compression devices provide mechanical prophylaxis by promoting venous return and reducing stasis, making them a standard anticipating need in this population.

Other options aren’t as universally indicated. Bed rest is not routinely prescribed and can actually worsen venous stasis. Postdelivery administration of heparin might be used in some high-risk cases, but it’s not as universally anticipated as mechanical prophylaxis. An overbed lift could be helpful for mobility, but it’s not a specific anticipatory need tied to obesity in pregnancy.