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.

 

Resources: An information pamphlet from a doctor’s office and Appendix G

Create a tri-fold pamphlet, such as one you would find at a doctor’s office, about a sexually transmitted disease. (Syphilis has been assigned to me.)  Students have found that other trifold templates, such as Microsoft, etc may work better.

Address each of the elements in the grading form provided in the document titled Appendix G Rubric located on the student website, and answer the following questions related to the audience you are trying to reach in the phamplet:

• Is the disease transmitted exclusively through sexual contact or can it be spread nonsexually?
• What are its symptoms, and how can it can be diagnosed? (Be sure to compare a healthy system to one affected by the infection or disease.)
• What epidemiological and clinical impact does the disease or infection have?
• How can the infection or disease be prevented?

Note:  If you use graphics or pictures, please be sure to cite their sources according to APA standards. Formatting help is available at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx