When assessing a postoperative patient,the nurse notes tenderness,redness,and swelling in the left calf.What should the nurse do next?

A) Massage the lower leg.
B) Contact the surgeon and prepare for heparin therapy.
C) Keep the leg in a dependent position.
D) Have the patient exercise that extremity.

Calf tenderness,redness,and edema in the lower extremity are signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.Notify the surgeon and anticipate orders for bed rest,leg elevation,and initiation of anticoagulation (e.g. ,heparin intravenous drip).Do not massage the affected leg.Continue to have the patient do leg exercises with the unaffected leg,not the affected leg.