Critical Thinking

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

What clinical manifestations are present in Ms. G and what recommendations would you make for continued treatment? Provide rationale for your recommendations.

Identify the muscle groups likely to be affected by Ms. G’s condition by referring to “ARC: Anatomy Resource Center.”

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.

What factors are present in this situation that could delay wound healing, and what precautions are required to prevent delayed wound healing? Explain.