Which intervention is most appropriate for managing edema in the distal limb post-surgery?

Cold compression therapy is the most appropriate intervention for managing edema in the distal limb post-surgery due to its dual effects of vasoconstriction and the mechanical effects from compression. Cold therapy helps to reduce blood flow to the area, which can minimize swelling and inflammation. The compression aspect facilitates fluid movement away from the injured area, further aiding in reducing edema.

Additionally, the application of cold can numb the area, which may help decrease pain associated with swelling. This method effectively addresses both the symptoms and the cause of edema by controlling inflammation and promoting fluid drainage.

In contrast, continuous ultrasound may not be effective in the acute post-operative phase as it can increase tissue temperature and promote increased blood flow, potentially exacerbating edema rather than alleviating it. Heat therapy is generally contraindicated in the early stages of swelling because it can lead to vasodilation, which increases fluid accumulation. Active range-of-motion exercises, while important for recovery, can inadvertently lead to increased swelling in the early post-surgical phase when the limb is still healing and has residual edema. Thus, cold compression therapy stands out as the most suitable choice in this context.