Postoperative Care and Wound Management Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Postoperative Care and Wound Management flashcards as text
Which combination of findings is the most reliable clinical indicator of a postoperative surgical site infection?
Answer: Purulent drainage with wound warmth and swelling
Purulent drainage combined with warmth, erythema, and swelling represent the most reliable constellation of clinical signs confirming a surgical site infection.
Which imaging modality is most appropriate for routinely monitoring bone healing after foot and ankle fusion surgery?
Answer: Plain radiographs
Serial plain radiographs are the standard imaging modality for monitoring progressive bone healing and fusion after foot and ankle arthrodesis due to accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
For which postoperative indication is the Ilizarov circular external fixation technique most commonly used in foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Limb lengthening and gradual deformity correction
The Ilizarov technique uses circular external fixation and controlled distraction osteogenesis for limb lengthening and gradual deformity correction after surgery.
What is the recommended initial management for a small postoperative hematoma after foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Compression bandaging and elevation
Small postoperative hematomas are initially managed conservatively with compression and elevation; surgical evacuation is reserved for large, expanding, or infected hematomas.
What is the primary purpose of using a total contact cast (TCC) in diabetic foot postoperative care?
Answer: To redistribute plantar pressure and protect wound healing
Total contact casts distribute plantar pressure evenly across the entire foot surface, protecting wounds from repetitive mechanical stress and facilitating healing in diabetic patients.
Which complication is most associated with prolonged cast immobilization after foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Muscle atrophy and joint stiffness
Prolonged immobilization leads to disuse muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, requiring structured rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion.
When is negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT/VAC) most indicated in the postoperative management of foot and ankle wounds?
Answer: For complex wounds with significant tissue defects or impaired healing
NPWT is indicated for complex wounds with tissue defects, high exudate, or compromised healing because it promotes granulation tissue formation and reduces wound edema.