A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who developed deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively and is prescribed anticoagulant therapy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Rationale: A. Flexing her knees and feet frequently: Regular movement of the legs improves venous return and decreases stasis, which helps prevent clot extension and recurrence. This is an important teaching point for clients recovering from DVT while on anticoagulant therapy. B. Taking an NSAID tablet daily: NSAIDs increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulants because they inhibit platelet function and irritate the gastrointestinal lining. Clients on anticoagulant therapy should avoid NSAIDs. C. Wearing loose, non-constricting stockings: Compression stockings, not loose ones, are recommended to reduce venous stasis, improve circulation, and decrease the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. Loose stockings do not provide the needed benefit for DVT. D. Applying cool compresses to her legs: Cool compresses may provide temporary comfort but do not help with circulation or prevention of complications. Warm compresses are sometimes used for symptom relief, but they are not a primary discharge teaching point.