AMSA Basic Nursing 103 Practice Test

Rubbing the legs during leg stimulation is avoided because postoperative legs are at risk for deep vein thrombosis, and massaging can dislodge a clot. If a thrombus travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication. So the safer approach is to minimize direct leg manipulation that could move a clot and instead promote venous return with approved methods like ankle pumps, leg exercises, and compression devices or stockings as ordered, while monitoring for signs of DVT (swelling, warmth, redness, calf tenderness). The focus is on preventing clot dislodgement rather than on other areas of the body or unrelated interactions.