Question

Which is an indication of a successful outcome for a client who is recovering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair? A. Capillary refill of the toes 5 seconds B. Pulse Oximetry of the foot 88% C. BP diastolic 80 mm Hg. D. Urine output 15 cc per hour

Short answer

C. BP diastolic 80 mm Hg.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the context

The question is asking for an indicator of a successful recovery from an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. This type of surgery involves the aorta, which is a major blood vessel, and successful recovery would include proper blood flow and vital organ function.

Reviewing option A

Capillary refill time should be less than 2 seconds for normal blood flow. Capillary refill of the toes being 5 seconds is too long and indicates poor blood flow, thus not a successful outcome.

Reviewing option B

Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood. A normal reading should be above 95%. A reading of 88% indicates hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), thus not a successful outcome.

Reviewing option C

Blood pressure, particularly diastolic pressure, is an indicator of circulatory health. A diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg falls within the normal range (60-80 mm Hg), which suggests stable circulatory status.

Reviewing option D

Urine output should typically be at least 30 cc (ml) per hour to indicate normal kidney function. 15 cc per hour indicates reduced kidney function and is not a successful outcome.

Conclusion

From the above analysis, the only option that indicates a normal vital sign and thus a successful recovery outcome is option C.

Key concepts

abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, running through the abdomen. This condition can be life-threatening if the aneurysm ruptures. The primary goal of AAA repair surgery is to prevent rupture by reinforcing the weakened section of the aorta with a graft.
After surgery, monitoring the recovery process is crucial to ensure that the repair was successful and the body's systems are functioning properly.

postoperative care

Postoperative care refers to the management and treatment provided after undergoing surgery, particularly crucial in cases involving complex procedures like an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. It includes:

• Monitoring vital signs to assess circulatory and respiratory status.
• Managing pain to promote comfort and mobility.
• Ensuring the patient remains well-hydrated and proper nutrition is maintained to support the healing process.

Additionally, special attention is given to warning signs of complications such as infection, improper healing, or impaired blood flow, so they can be promptly addressed.

vital signs monitoring

Vital signs are crucial indicators of an individual's overall health and are especially important to monitor in the postoperative phase. Key vital signs include:

• Blood Pressure (BP): Monitoring the blood pressure ensures that there is adequate blood flow through the repaired aorta. A normal diastolic BP, like 80 mm Hg, is a positive sign.
• Pulse Oximetry: This measures the oxygen saturation of the blood. Normally, it should be above 95%. A reading of 88% would indicate poor oxygenation.
• Capillary Refill Time: This measures how quickly blood returns to the capillaries after being blanched, indicating blood flow quality. Ideally, it should be less than 2 seconds.
• Urine Output: Adequate urine output, typically over 30 ml per hour, indicates proper kidney function and sufficient blood flow to the kidneys.

Regular monitoring helps in detecting any early signs of complications and ensuring a smooth recovery process.

successful surgical recovery indicators

Successful recovery from abdominal aortic aneurysm repair involves several indicators that must be carefully monitored.
Some of these key indicators include:

• Normal Blood Pressure: This shows that the circulatory system is functioning well, and the repair is holding.
• Good Oxygen Saturation: Oxygen levels should be above 95%, indicating that the blood is well-oxygenated.
• Capillary Refill Time: A refill time below 2 seconds is a positive sign of good peripheral circulation.
• Stable Urine Output: Adequate urine output at 30 cc per hour or more indicates good kidney function.

Anomalies in any of these parameters require immediate attention to prevent further complications and ensure a successful recovery.