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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation. However, they are not typically the first choice for treating phantom limb pain. Phantom limb pain is a complex condition that is thought to involve both peripheral and central mechanisms.

Choice B rationale

Antipyretics such as acetaminophen are used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. However, they are not typically used as the primary treatment for phantom limb pain. This type of pain is often resistant to common analgesics, including acetaminophen.

Choice C rationale

Narcotic analgesics such as codeine can be used to manage severe pain. However, they are not typically the first choice for treating phantom limb pain due to the risk of dependency and the fact that this type of pain often does not respond well to opioids.

Choice D rationale

Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin are often used to manage neuropathic pain, including phantom limb pain. Gabapentin works by stabilizing electrical activity in the nervous system and altering the way the nerves send messages to the brain.

A. “This must be very difficult for you. I am here if you want to talk.”. B. “Can you tell me why you are so upset?” C. “I am sure everything will be alright. There is no need to cry.”. D. “You will recover.”.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

When a patient is informed about a serious diagnosis like breast cancer and the need for a mastectomy, it is common for them to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, fear, and anxiety. As a nurse, providing emotional support and creating a safe space for the patient to express their feelings is crucial. Offering to be there for the patient if they want to talk acknowledges their emotional distress and provides comfort.

Choice B rationale

Asking the patient why they are upset may come across as insensitive or dismissive. The patient has just received a life-changing diagnosis, and their emotional reaction is completely normal and expected. It’s important to provide support and empathy rather than questioning their feelings.

Choice C rationale

Telling the patient that everything will be alright and there is no need to cry may seem comforting, but it can actually invalidate the patient’s feelings. It’s important to acknowledge the patient’s emotions and allow them to express their feelings without judgment.

Choice D rationale

Telling the patient that they will recover may be seen as providing false reassurance. While it’s important to maintain hope, it’s also crucial to be honest and realistic with the patient about their diagnosis and treatment.

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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?

Choice D rationale

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which prescribed medication for the client recovering from a traumatic amputation does the nurse correlate to the treatment of phantom limb pain?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

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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?