A patient is recovering from several hours of orthopedic surgery. ...

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A patient is recovering from several hours of orthopedic surgery. During an assessment of the patient's lower legs, the nurse will monitor for signs of acute venous symptoms.
 
  Signs of acute venous symptoms include which of the following? Select all that apply.
  a.
  Intense, sharp pain, with the deep muscle tender to the touch
  b.
  Aching, tired pain, with a feeling of fullness
  c.
  Pain that is worse at the end of the day
  d.
  Sudden onset
  e.
  Warm, red, and swollen calf
  f.
  Pain that is relieved with elevation of the leg

Question 2

A patient has been admitted with chronic arterial symptoms. During the assessment, the nurse should expect which findings? Select all that apply.
 
  a. Patient has a history of diabetes and cigarette smoking.
  b. Skin of the patient is pale and cool.
  c. His ankles have two small, weeping ulcers.
  d. Patient works long hours sitting at a computer desk.
  e. He states that the pain gets worse when walking.
  f.
  Patient states that the pain is worse at the end of the day.

[krakiolit]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, D, E
Signs and symptoms of acute venous problems include pain in the calf that has a sudden onset and that is intense and sharp with tenderness in the deep muscle when touched. The calf is warm, red, and swollen. The other options are symptoms of chronic venous problems.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, E
Patients with chronic arterial symptoms often have a history of smoking and diabetes (among other risk factors). The pain has a gradual onset with exertion and is relieved with rest or dangling. The skin appears cool and pale (see Table 20-3). The other responses reflect chronic venous problems.