1. Are L.G.'s clinical manifestations of inflammation local or systemic? What information supports your response?

2. What other diagnostic tests may be needed to help establish a diagnosis and why?

3. What factors may interfere with or delay the healing of L. G.'s wound?

4. L. G. will be admitted to the medical unit. What nursing interventions should be included in his plan of care?

5. What will be L.G.'s priority discharge teaching needs?

L. G. is a 68-year-old man who goes to the hospital emergency department with a complaint of left foot pain. He has a 7-year history of type 2 diabetes that is controlled with metformin (Glucophage) 500 mg orally twice daily.

Subjective Data
• States he stepped on "something" in the yard a few days ago
• States he is unable to bear weight on the left foot
• Has been nauseated and "just haven't felt good"

Objective Data
Physical Examination
• Vital signs: Blood pressure 160/90, pulse 110,respirations 24, temperature 102.8° F
• Left foot swollen, red, and warm to touch
• Open area on ball of left foot near first metatarsal, with tissue loss and irregular wound margins Measures 2 cm in diameter, with moderate amount of thick yellow drainage
• Bilateral paresthesia in lower legs
Diagnostic Studies
• Blood glucose 350 mg/dL
• White blood cell (WBC) count 19,200/µL; 80% neutrophils (12% bands)

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1The clinical manifestations are local because LGs foot has aRedness bIt is swollen cIt is w... View the full answer