A 73-year-old patient with diabetes was admitted for below the knee amputation of his right leg. Removal of his right leg is an example of which type of surgery?

1. A. Measure the depth and width of the wound. Regular assessment and documentation of the wound’s size can help track the progress of healing and effectiveness of the treatment plan.

   B. Educate the client about the need for antibiotics. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary. It’s important for the client to understand the purpose and proper use of these medications.

   C. Consult a nutritionist for a diet plan. Good nutrition is essential for wound healing. Certain nutrients, like protein, vitamin C, and zinc, can promote wound healing.

   D. Remove any non-viable tissue. Debridement, or the removal of dead (non-viable) tissue, can help promote the healing of the wound by reducing the risk of infection and allowing healthy tissue to grow.

A. “Call your surgeon if you have any questions at home.”

This instruction is important as it encourages the patient to seek help and clarification if they have any concerns or questions about their postoperative care at home. However, while communication with the surgeon is essential, it is not as immediately critical as ensuring proper hand hygiene when dealing with wound care and drain management.

B. ”Eat a diet high in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin C.”

Nutritional advice is crucial for postoperative recovery, as a balanced diet high in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin C can promote wound healing and overall recovery. However, while important for long-term recovery and healing, dietary recommendations do not directly address the immediate risk of infection or complications associated with wound care and drain management.

C. “Wash your hands before touching the drain or dressing."

This instruction is the most important in this context because proper hand hygiene is crucial for preventing infections during wound care and drain management. Clean hands significantly reduce the risk of introducing harmful bacteria or contaminants to the surgical site, which can lead to infections and other complications. Ensuring that the patient washes their hands before touching the drain or dressing is a fundamental measure for promoting wound healing and preventing postoperative complications.

D. “Be sure you keep all your postoperative appointments.”

Keeping postoperative appointments is important for ongoing assessment, monitoring, and follow-up care. However, while essential for overall recovery and management of postoperative issues, it is not as immediate or directly related to the patient's ability to manage their dressing and drain at home.