Question

Matt, age 17 years, had a crushed leg following a motorcycle accident. There was considerable soft tissue damage in addition to the fracture. Following surgery, the leg was immobilized. On the third day postoperatively, Matt complained of increased pain in the leg, and he was experiencing a high fever. Examination of the surgical sites revealed severe inflammation and swelling, as well as a purulent discharge in one incision. A sample of the discharge was sent for culture and sensitivity tests. Blood tests indicated leukocytosis. Antibacterial therapy was begun immediately. Ten days later the inflammation and infection had cleared, and Matt’s leukocyte count was almost normal, although his serum calcium levels were elevated. Matt was learning to manage crutches (non–weight-bearing) and was encouraged to exercise more by the physiotherapist, but was disappointed to find himself weak and easily tired.

Explain the risks for postoperative infection for Matt. (See Musculoskeletal Effects.)

Discuss the causes of the symptoms and lab results and how they might be treated and alleviated. (See Musculoskeletal Effects.)

Answer 1

1.Risks for postoperative infections for Matt
Leukocytosis - is white cells (leukocyte count) above the normal range in the blood.It is frequently a sign of an inflammatory response,most commonly the result of infection,but may also occur following certain parasitic infections or bone tumors as well as leukemia.

2.Over 99% of all people who have a blood test shows too much calcium will have a parathyroid problem.
to diagnose parathyroid disease,need to have blood calcium and parathyroid hormone measured.

* in rare circumstances,cancer can cause high calcium.high calcium due to cancer is usually found in people who are in the hospital-due some health related problem.
cancer is almost never detected in a patient because the doctor noticed a high calcium level.

3. Treatment-
-calcitonin is a hormone to reduce bone loss
-intravenous fluid hydrates and lower calcium level in the blood
-corticosteroids
-loop diuretic medications
-intravenous bisphophonates lowers blood calcium levels by regulating bone calcium.