MEDizzy - The nurse has admitted a client to the clinical nursing unit

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Practice Test

The nurse has admitted a client to the clinical nursing unit after undergoing a right mastectomy. The nurse should plan to place the right arm in which position?

ExplanationThe client’s operative arm should be positioned so that it is elevated on a pillow and not exceeding shoulder elevation. This position promotes optimal drainage from the limb, without impairing the circulation to the arm. If the arm is positioned flat (option 2) or dependent (option 3), this could increase the edema in the arm, which is contraindicated because of lymphatic disruption caused by surgery.