Question

Case Study, Chapter 6, Individual and Family Homeostasis, Stress, and Adaptation

2. Mary Turner stepped on a nail 5 days ago and sustained a puncture about 1 inch deep. She immediately cleaned the area with soap and water and hydrogen peroxide, and applied triple antibiotic ointment to the site. Today she comes to the clinic with complaints of increased pain and swelling in her foot. On assessment, the nurse notes that the puncture site is red and edematous, and has a moderate amount of yellowish drainage. (Learning Objective 9)

Describe the sequence of events that caused the local inflammation seen in Mary’s foot.

What is the role of histamine and kinins in the inflammatory process?

Which of the five cardinal signs of inflammation does Mary exhibit?

Because Mary’s injury occurred 5 days ago, the nurse should assess for what systemic effects?

Answer 1

The local inflammation has occurred because the body generally produces leukocyte cells at the site of injury to fight infection .Thus causes redness, swelling and inflammation

Histamine and kinin play a important role in inflammatory process.when there is a injury the mast cells release pro inflammatory mediator.Histamine us vasoactive and kinin is bioactive peptides.>>this action causes vasodilation>>smooth muscle contraction>>leaky capillaries>>edema,swelling,pain ,hyperalgia >>inflammation

The five cardinal signs which Mary exhibit are

Redness

Pain

Edema

Swelling

Discharge from wound

The nurse should assess for systemic effect of fever because of infection.