A patient recovering from aorto-femoral bypass surgery has developed edema, severe pain, paresthesia, and tightness of the operative limb.
The nurse recognizes that what post-operative complication is most likely causing the patient’s symptoms?
Wound infection.
Internal bleeding.
Graft rupture.
Compartment syndrome.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D rationale
The symptoms described - edema, severe pain, paresthesia, and tightness of the operative limb
- are indicative of Compartment Syndrome. This is a serious condition that can occur after surgery, where increased pressure within one of the body’s compartments results in insufficient blood supply to the area. It requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Choice A rationale
While wound infection is a possible post-operative complication, it would typically present with symptoms such as redness, increased pain at the wound site, purulent discharge, and possibly fever. The symptoms described do not specifically indicate a wound infection.
Choice B rationale
Internal bleeding could cause pain and swelling, but it would likely also present with signs of shock, such as low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and altered mental status. The symptoms provided do not clearly indicate internal bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Graft rupture is a serious complication that could potentially cause severe pain and swelling. However, it would also likely cause significant hemodynamic instability, including hypotension and tachycardia. The symptoms described are more indicative of Compartment Syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A decrease in inflammation at the site of infection is a key indicator that antibiotic therapy is effective. Inflammation is a response to infection, so if the inflammation is reducing, it suggests that the infection is being successfully treated.
Choice B rationale
An increase in circulating neutrophils could indicate an ongoing response to infection, rather than resolution. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that the body produces more of when there’s an infection. Therefore, an increase in neutrophils does not necessarily indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been effective.
Choice C rationale
A positive culture and sensitivity report indicates the presence of bacteria and identifies which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to. While this information is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic, it does not indicate whether the chosen antibiotic therapy has been effective.
Choice D rationale
A symptomatic fever could indicate an ongoing infection, rather than resolution. While fever can decrease as an infection is brought under control, the presence of a symptomatic fever does not necessarily indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been effective.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While discussing the need for weight loss can be an important part of managing Type 2 diabetes, it should not necessarily be the initial step when developing an educational plan. Weight loss can help improve blood glucose control, but it’s just one aspect of a comprehensive diabetes management plan15.
Choice B rationale
Inviting the client’s family to participate in the program can be beneficial, as it can provide additional support for the client. However, the initial step in developing an educational plan should focus on the client’s understanding and perception of their diagnosis15.
Choice C rationale
Demonstrating how to check glucose using capillary blood glucose monitoring is an important skill for managing Type 2 diabetes. However, before teaching this skill, it’s important to assess the client’s understanding and readiness to learn15.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the client’s perception of what it means to live with diabetes should be the initial step when developing an educational plan. Understanding the client’s perspective can help tailor the education to meet their needs and improve their ability to manage their diabetes15.
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