A nurse is caring for a client who is 7 days postpartum and calls the clinic to report pain and redness of her left calf. Besides seeing her provider, which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest?

A. Flex her knee while resting: Flexing the knee can increase venous stasis and potentially dislodge a thrombus if one is present. Encouraging knee flexion in a client with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is not recommended due to the risk of embolization and worsening symptoms. B. Massage the area: Massaging an area suspected of having a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is strictly contraindicated. Massaging the affected area can dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication. C. Elevate her leg: Elevating the affected leg can help reduce venous pressure, relieve swelling, and improve circulation. It is a safe, supportive measure that promotes comfort and minimizes complications while awaiting provider evaluation for suspected DVT. D. Apply cold compresses: Cold compresses are generally not advised for suspected DVT because they can cause vasoconstriction and further reduce blood flow. Warm compresses may be used in some cases for symptom relief, but only under medical supervision.