1a. The patient returns to the unit after the right femoral-to-popliteal graft operation. What nursing care should the nurse provide?
After femoral-to-popliteal graft operation, nurses should check for pulses to assess the blood flow to the limb. This pulse is taken under the surgical site. The nurse also checks whether there is any form of discoloration, pain, movement, or warmth on the leg. The surgical site is also assessed, and pain relief medication is given to the patient when necessary.
1b. The surgeon postoperatively prescribed aspirin 160 mg every day and rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor) 5 mg once daily. What is the rationale for each of the medications ordered in relation to the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan?
The doctor prescribes a daily dose of aspirin to help reduce the inflammation on the patient’s limb. The medication also helps reduce the formation of clots and plaque in the blood vessels. Castor also helps reduce the buildup of plaque. The drug also lowers cholesterol levels in the plasma.
1c. What patient education should the nurse provide?
The patient should be advised on the benefits of some lifestyle changes like exercising, diet improvement, and termination of smoking habits. The patient should avoid crossing his legs or periods that involve sitting for long hours. The nurse should also advise the patient on the importance of the medication and how to take it.
2a. Correlate the patient’s clinical manifestations with the pathophysiology of arterial ulcers.
Arterial ulcers result from a lack of enough circulation of blood rich in nutrients to the tissues in the lower extremities, which include the hips to the toes. The wounds on the overlying skin develop due to oxygen deprivation.
2b. The wound ostomy RN consults the patient, and orders hydrocolloid dressings. What is the rationale for this type of dressing?
The hydrochloric acid dressing promotes a moist environment for the healing and growth of epithelial tissues. The acid also protects the uninfected tissues in the wound.
2c. What dietary teaching is indicated in this patient?
The patient can help manage the arterial ulcers by maintaining a healthy diet that helps heal the wounds. The patients should contain a combination of macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and macronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals that will promote the healing of wounds include vitamins A, C, D, E and K, while the minerals consist of zinc, iron, cobalt, sodium, manganese, and fluoride.
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