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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Limiting intake to non-caloric containing liquids until the glucose is within normal limits is not the best advice for a patient with Type 1 diabetes reporting a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL and symptoms of a sore throat, cough, and fever. While it’s important to stay hydrated, especially when sick, it’s also crucial to maintain a balanced diet to provide the body with necessary nutrients for recovery.
Choice B rationale
Decreasing intake of carbohydrates until blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL is not recommended. Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy, and reducing their intake could lead to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels every 4 hours and notifying the doctor if it continues to rise is the best advice. When a patient with diabetes is sick, their blood glucose levels can rise due to the stress the body is under. Regular monitoring allows for timely adjustments in insulin dosage and helps prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication.
Choice D rationale
Administering only the morning prescribed dose of insulin is not advisable. Insulin requirements can increase when a person with diabetes is sick. Therefore, sticking to the regular insulin regimen without adjustments could lead to high blood sugar or hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing the stool for occult blood is not typically necessary for a client taking an antibiotic that causes diarrhea. While antibiotics can cause changes in the gastrointestinal tract, they do not typically cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Increasing roughage in the diet can help bulk up the stool and may help alleviate some cases of diarrhea. However, it’s not the primary recommendation for a client taking an antibiotic that causes diarrhea.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the physician for a different antibiotic if diarrhea persists can be an appropriate action. However, this is typically recommended after other strategies, such as adding probiotics to the diet, have been tried.
Choice D rationale
Adding yogurt to the diet is often recommended for clients taking an antibiotic that causes diarrhea. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut and alleviate diarrhea.
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