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 C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Complaints of muscle cramps with exercise. While muscle cramps with exercise can be a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), they are more commonly associated with the earlier stages of the disease, known as intermittent claudication.

Choice B rationale

Pedal pulses are +1 bilaterally. Reduced or absent pedal pulses can be a sign of PAD, but a finding of +1 pedal pulses does not necessarily correlate with stage III of the disease.

Choice C rationale

Complaints of burning pain during the night. Stage III PAD, also known as critical limb ischemia, is characterized by more severe symptoms, including discomfort or pain in the feet or toes, even while at rest. Symptoms tend to worsen at night.

Choice D rationale

Tissue that is blackened on the great toe. This is a sign of gangrene, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of PAD2. However, it is not a typical finding in stage III PAD, and would more likely be seen in the most advanced stage of the disease.

A. Obtain a pair of heavy-duty gloves to wear for cold exposures. B. Refrain from going outdoors during the winter months. C. Raise the hands above the head to relieve the spasms. D. Use small rubber balls to exercise your hands and fingers daily.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities, including the fingers and toes, in response to cold temperatures or stress. Wearing heavy-duty gloves during cold exposures can help to keep the hands warm and reduce the risk of a Raynaud’s attack.

Choice B rationale

While avoiding cold temperatures can help to prevent Raynaud’s attacks, it is not always practical or possible for individuals to refrain from going outdoors during the winter months.

Choice C rationale

Raising the hands above the head is not typically recommended to relieve spasms associated with Raynaud’s disease.

Choice D rationale

Using small rubber balls to exercise the hands and fingers daily may be beneficial for some individuals with Raynaud’s disease, but it is not typically the primary recommendation for managing this condition.

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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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client’s chart indicates the diagnosis of stage III peripheral arterial disease. Which nursing assessment finding correlates with this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

A client diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease is experiencing severe pain and spasms in the fingers and toes of their hands. What advice should the nurse include in the discharge instructions for this client?

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?