A patient with prostate cancer is taking estrogen daily to control tumor growth. He reports that his left calf is swollen and painful. Which of the following would be the nurse's best action?

A) Instruct the client to keep the leg elevated.
B) Measure the calf circumference and compare the measurement with the right calf circumference measurement.
C) Apply ice to the calf after a 10-minute massage of the area.
D) Document assessment findings as an expected response with estrogen therapy.

Question

Attallah Rishmawi · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  An adverse reaction to hormonal manipulation therapy is the development of thrombus formation. Massaging a calf that is swollen and painful is never correct, because this action might break a clot, causing formation of an embolus, which could then travel to the lungs.

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