Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Managements of Patients with Dermatologic Problems Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Managements of Patients with Dermatologic Problems related questions and content

A 30-year-old male patient has just returned from the operating room after having a flap done following a motorcycle accident. The patients wife asks the nurse about the major complications following this type of surgery. What would be the nurses best response?

  • A. The major complication is when the patient develops chronic pain.
  • B. The major complication is when the patient loses sensation in the flap.
  • C. The major complication is when the pedicle tears loose and the flap dies.
  • D. The major complication is when the blood supply fails and the tissue in the flap dies.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Flap necrosis due to failed blood supply is the primary complication, as it leads to tissue death. Pedicle tearing is less likely, and chronic pain or sensory loss are secondary concerns.