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?

A. Provide a heart-healthy low-potassium diet:

While a heart-healthy low-potassium diet is essential for managing chronic hyperkalemia and preventing future occurrences, it is not the first intervention to implement in a patient with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and exhibiting cardiovascular changes. The effects of dietary changes on serum potassium levels are gradual and may take days to have a significant impact. In an acute situation like this, immediate interventions are needed to rapidly lower potassium levels and address the associated cardiovascular risks.

B. Prepare to administer sodium polystyrene sulfate 15g by mouth:

Sodium polystyrene sulfate is a medication used to exchange sodium for potassium in the gastrointestinal tract, effectively lowering serum potassium levels over hours to days. While it is a valid treatment for hyperkalemia, its onset of action is not immediate enough to address the urgent cardiovascular changes seen in severe hyperkalemia. Therefore, it is not the first-line intervention in this scenario.

C. Prepare the patient for hemodialysis treatment:

Hemodialysis is an effective method for rapidly lowering serum potassium levels in cases of severe hyperkalemia. However, it is a more invasive and time-consuming procedure that requires preparation, including vascular access and dialysis setup. It is typically reserved for situations where other interventions have failed or in patients with severe or refractory hyperkalemia. In the context of this scenario, where the patient has a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes, hemodialysis may be considered if initial interventions are not successful, but it is not the first action to implement.

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.