MT Module 3 case study

Question 1

Define the following words found in italics.
a. Osteomyelitis
b. Wound culture
c. Ulcer
d. Pedal
e. Percutaneous

Answer 1

A) Inflammation of the bone and bone marrow. Oste/o = bone; mye = bone marrow; -itis = inflammation
B) Sample of tissue sent to the laboratory for identification of bacteria
C) An erosion of the skin through the epidermis, dermis, and into the deeper tissues
D) Pertaining to the foot
E) Pertaining to something that passes through the skin. Per- = through; cutane/o = skin; -ous = pertaining to.

Question 2

This patient was admitted with a left calcaneal ulcer. A) What type of ulcer developed on this patient’s heel? (1 point) B) What is another name for this condition? (1 point) C) What condition(s) caused her to be at higher risk for these conditions? (3 points)

Answer 2

A) The patient developed a decubitus ulcer on her heel.
B) This is also known as a pressure sore.
C) The patient is non-ambulatory and would be at risk for obstructing the blood flow to her heel by laying in the same position for a long period of time. The patient also has a history of type 2 diabetes which can lead to peripheral vascular disease and poor blood flow to the lower extremities. Her nutritional status is also poor which can lead to difficulty in wound healing.

Question 3

Which layer of the skin contains the blood vessels and nerves?

Answer 3

The dermis contains the blood vessels and nerves

Question 4

From a pathophysiologic standpoint, how did the patient develop osteomyelitis of her heel bone from this ulcer?

Answer 4

An ulcer is an erosion through the epidermis, dermis, and underlying , which allowed the bacteria access to both the bloodstream and the subcutaneous tissue. This included the heel bone.

Question 5

Calcane/o is the combining form meaning the heel. Identify the specific area of the body by the following combining forms.
a. Carp/o
b. Fibul/o
c. Ischi/o
d. Phalang/o
e. Spondyl/o

Answer 5

A) wrist
B) fibula, lower leg bone
C) ischium, part of the pelvis
D) Phalanges, fingers and toes
E) Vertebrae, spine

Question 6

Chronic osteomyelitis is a difficult condition to treat, especially in this weak and frail patient. Infections that do not improve may require a surgical amputation. A) Define amputation. B) What are two common medical abbreviations associated with an amputation?

Answer 6

A) An amputation is a surgical or traumatic removal of a limb or other projecting part of the body.
B) AKA is an abbreviation that means above the knee amputation; BKA is an abbreviation that means below the knee amputation.