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
Monitoring the peak level of the antibiotic is important, but it is not the priority nursing action. Peak levels are typically drawn after the drug has been administered and are used to assess whether the dosage is sufficient.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the client’s vital signs is an important part of nursing care, but it is not the priority action when preparing to administer an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a serum trough level is the priority nursing action. Trough levels are drawn just before the next dose of the drug is due and are used to assess whether the dosage is safe.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client about drug allergies is an important part of nursing care, but it is not the priority action when preparing to administer an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Consuming excessive amounts of antacids, such as TUMS, can lead to metabolic alkalosis. Antacids contain bicarbonate, which can neutralize stomach acid. However, excessive bicarbonate in the body can disrupt the acid-base balance, leading to metabolic alkalosis.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory acidosis is typically caused by conditions that result in hypoventilation, such as lung diseases or drug overdose, not by excessive antacid consumption.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic acidosis is typically caused by conditions that increase acid in the body or decrease bicarbonate, such as kidney disease or lactic acidosis, not by excessive antacid consumption.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is typically caused by conditions that result in hyperventilation, such as anxiety or fever, not by excessive antacid consumption.
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