Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

What is a recommended treatment for venous occlusion?

1. Elevation of the Extremity

2. Discourage Activity

3. Immediate Surgery

4. Increase Activity

The correct answer is: Discourage Activity

For venous occlusion, the recommended treatment focuses primarily on promoting venous return and minimizing complications. Elevating the extremity is a common practice as it helps decrease venous pressure and aids in alleviating swelling by encouraging venous blood flow back toward the heart. On the other hand, while discouraging activity may seem logical to prevent further injury or strain, the primary goal is often to maintain circulation and prevent complications such as thrombosis. Encouraging gentle movement is more beneficial, as immobility can lead to worse outcomes in terms of blood flow and venous health. Immediate surgery is typically reserved for severe cases, such as massive thrombosis or complications that cannot be managed conservatively. It's more of an intervention following the failure of less invasive measures. Increasing activity is also counterproductive at this stage since the initial management usually requires caution to avoid exacerbating the condition. In summary, the elevation of the extremity is a key supportive measure that helps alleviate symptoms and promote healing in venous occlusion, making it a more suitable approach rather than simply discouraging any activity.