Individual and Family Homeostasis, Stress, and Adaptation
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)
a. Describe the sequence of events that caused the local inflammation seen in Mary’s foot.
b. What is the role of histamine and kinins in the inflammatory process?
c. Which of the five cardinal signs of inflammation does Mary exhibit?
d. Because Mary’s injury occurred 5 days ago, the nurse should assess for what systemic effects?
