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.

Choice A rationale

Diabetes mellitus can lead to several chronic complications, including retinopathy, which can cause blindness. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, scheduling and keeping appointments for annual eye exams is an important part of managing diabetes.

Choice B rationale

While adequate fluid intake is generally important for overall health, it is not specifically effective in preventing kidney damage in patients with diabetes mellitus. Kidney damage in diabetes, also known as diabetic nephropathy, is caused by high blood sugar levels over time, not by dehydration.

Choice C rationale

Regular checks of cardiac enzymes are not a standard part of diabetes management. Cardiac enzymes are typically checked in the context of suspected heart disease or a heart attack, not as a routine measure in diabetes care.

Choice D rationale

While regular foot care is important in diabetes to prevent complications such as foot ulcers and infections, podiatry exams every 3 months are not typically necessary unless the patient has a history of foot problems or a high risk of foot complications.