A patient has hard, nonpitting edema of the left lower leg and ...

[c0205847]

A patient has hard, nonpitting edema of the left lower leg and ankle. The right leg has no edema. Based on these findings, the nurse recalls that:
 
  a. Nonpitting, hard edema occurs with lymphatic obstruction.
  b. Alterations in arterial function will cause edema. c.
  Phlebitis of a superficial vein will cause bilateral edema. d.
  Long-standing arterial obstruction will cause pitting edema.

Question 2

During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient's left arm is swollen from the shoulder down to the fingers, with nonpitting brawny edema. The right arm is normal. The patient had a left-sided mastectomy 1 year ago.
 
  The nurse suspects which problem?
  a.
  Venous stasis
  b.
  Lymphedema
  c.
  Arteriosclerosis
  d.
  Deep-vein thrombosis

[leannegxo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Unilateral edema occurs with occlusion of a deep vein and with unilateral lymphatic obstruction. With these factors, the edema is nonpitting and feels hard to the touch (brawny edema).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Lymphedema after breast cancer causes unilateral swelling and nonpitting brawny edema, with overlying skin indurated. It is caused by the removal of lymph nodes with breast surgery or damage to lymph nodes and channels with radiation therapy for breast cancer, and lymphedema can impede drainage of lymph. The other responses are not correct.

[c0205847]

Excellent

[bblaney]

TYSM