A client who is at full-term gestation is in active labor and complains of a cramp in her leg. Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is B. Extend the leg and flex the foot. Choice A rationale: Massaging the calf and foot is not recommended as it could potentially dislodge a blood clot if one is present, which can be dangerous. Choice B rationale: Extending the leg and flexing the foot helps to relieve the cramp by stretching the muscles involved. This is a safe and effective method to alleviate muscle cramps. Choice C rationale: Checking the pedal pulse in the affected leg is important for assessing circulation but does not directly address the immediate discomfort of the cramp. Choice D rationale: Elevating the leg above the heart is generally used to reduce swelling and improve circulation but is not specifically effective for relieving muscle cramps. : 3