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
What is the primary goal of postoperative wound care following foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Prevent infection and promote healing
The primary goal of postoperative wound care is to prevent infection and promote optimal wound healing to ensure a successful surgical outcome.
Which dressing type is most appropriate for maintaining a moist wound environment to promote healing after foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Hydrocolloid dressing
Hydrocolloid dressings maintain a moist wound environment, which accelerates epithelialization and promotes faster healing compared to dry dressings.
How long should a patient typically remain non-weight bearing after a first metatarsal osteotomy?
Answer: 4–6 weeks
After first metatarsal osteotomy, 4–6 weeks of non-weight bearing is typically required to allow adequate bone healing and prevent hardware failure.
What is the most common early complication following foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Surgical site infection
Surgical site infection is the most common early postoperative complication in foot and ankle surgery and requires prompt recognition and treatment.
Which clinical finding suggests possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postoperative foot and ankle patient?
Answer: Calf pain, swelling, and pain with passive dorsiflexion
Calf pain, swelling, and pain with passive dorsiflexion (Homan's sign) are classic indicators of potential DVT and require urgent further evaluation.
What is the recommended limb position postoperatively to most effectively reduce foot and ankle edema?
Answer: Above the level of the heart
Elevating the foot above heart level uses gravity to facilitate venous and lymphatic drainage, reducing postoperative edema.
When should sutures typically be removed after foot and ankle surgery in a non-diabetic patient?
Answer: 14–21 days
Foot and ankle sutures are generally removed at 14–21 days because the lower extremity has reduced blood supply and a slower healing rate than other body regions.