Pathophysiology and Nursing Management of clients health

The case scenario provided will be used to answer the discussion questions that follow.

Case Scenario

Ms. G., a 23-year-old diabetic, is admitted to the hospital with a
cellulitis of her left lower leg. She has been applying heating pads to
the leg for the last 48 hours, but the leg has become more painful and
she has developed chilling.

Subjective Data

• Complains of pain and heaviness in her leg.
• States she cannot bear weight on her leg and has been in bed for 3 days.
• Lives alone and has not had anyone to help her with meals.

Objective Data

• Round, yellow-red, 2 cm diameter, 1 cm deep, open wound above medial malleolus with moderate amount of thick yellow drainage
• Left leg red from knee to ankle
• Calf measurement on left 3 in > than right
• Temperature: 38.9 degrees C
• Height: 160 cm; Weight: 83.7 kg

Laboratory Results

• WBC 18.3 x 10¹² / L; 80% neutrophils, 12% bands
• Wound culture: Staphylococcus aureus

Critical Thinking Questions

1. What clinical manifestations are present in Ms. G and what
   recommendations would you make for continued treatment? Provide
   rationale for your recommendations.
2. Identify the muscle groups likely to be affected by Ms. G’s condition by referring to “ARC: Anatomy Resource Center.”
3. What is the significance of the subjective and objective data
   provided with regard to follow-up diagnostic/laboratory testing,
   education, and future preventative care? Provide rationale for your
   answer.
4. What factors are present in this situation that could delay wound
   healing, and what precautions are required to prevent delayed wound
   healing? Explain.