In: Nursing
Ms. Rand is a 65-year-old woman who spends most of her day sitting on her porch and recovering from a recent surgery involving the removal of suspected cancerous lymph glands in the inguinal area. She is now complaining that her shoes are fitting too tightly, and she has developed poorly healing sores on her legs and ankles. A closer examination also shows distention in her varicose veins. Blood tests reveal a low level of proteins in the plasma.
Based on the patient's history and the signs and symptoms, identify the fluid imbalance the patient is experiencing, and state the rationale for your answer.
Discuss the four general causes of edema and how they apply in the case of this patient.
Discuss the swelling, sores, varicose vein distention, and other effects that edema can have on a patient.
1) The fluid imbalance the patient is experiencing is peripheral edema. Rationale: Swellings of the legs and ankle. Four general causes of edema. a) Problem with the varicose veins: When the valve is damaged, pressure is increased in the veins,and they began to build up, which increases the risk of fluid escaping to the tissues. b) Problem with the Lymphedema: Any damage done to the Lymphatic system that helps removes excess fluid from tissue which may be due to surgery,tumor can result in edema. c) prolonged immobility : Sitting in a position for a long time can cause swellings of legs and ankle. d) Protein defficiency: lack of enough protein in the body. All these causes are related to the patient in question. 2) Swelling: built up fluid around the legs and ankle. Varicose veins detention: This is a malfunction in the deep veins,due to the swollen ankle. Sore: This occurs as a result of the painful swellings , the affected part becomes reddish most of time .