A nurse is caring for a client who has prostate cancer and has undergone a prostatectomy. Which of the following should the nurse understand as a potential complication of prostate surgery?

Choice A reason:

Lightheadedness is generally not an indication of effective treatment for dehydration. It is often a symptom of dehydration itself, as it can result from decreased blood volume and reduced blood flow to the brain. Effective rehydration should alleviate symptoms like lightheadedness, not present as an indication of it.

Choice B reason:

Decreased pulse pressure may indicate a drop in the volume of blood circulating through the body, which is not a sign of effective rehydration. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, and a narrow pulse pressure can be a sign of hypovolemia, or low blood volume, often due to dehydration.

Choice C reason:

Urine output of 75 mL in 1 hr can be considered within the normal range of urine output for an adult, which is typically about 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hr⁵. This indicates that the kidneys are functioning and the body is excreting waste, suggesting effective rehydration.

Choice D reason:

A urine specific gravity of 1.038 is higher than the normal range of 1.005 to 1.030[^10^]. This indicates concentrated urine, which is commonly seen in dehydration as the body attempts to conserve water. Therefore, this is not an indication of effective treatment for dehydration.

Choice A reason:
Venous insufficiency can contribute to the development of chronic wounds, particularly in the lower extremities. It is characterized by the inability of the veins to adequately return blood from the legs back to the heart, which can lead to pooling of blood and increased pressure in the veins. This can cause skin changes and ulcers, particularly around the ankles.

Choice B reason:
Malnutrition is indeed a systemic cause of chronic wounds. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing, as it provides the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals that play a crucial role in the repair process. Protein-energy malnutrition, deficiencies in vitamins C and D, zinc, and other nutrients can impair wound healing and lead to chronic wounds.

Choice C reason:
Infection is typically a local rather than a systemic cause of chronic wounds. While systemic infections can affect wound healing, local wound infections are more directly responsible for delayed healing and the chronicity of wounds. Bacteria can colonize the wound and impede the healing process, leading to a chronic wound.

Choice D reason:
Continued pressure, much like infection, is generally a local cause of chronic wounds. It is most commonly associated with the development of pressure ulcers in individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility. The constant pressure on certain areas of the body can lead to tissue ischemia and necrosis, resulting in a chronic wound.