Which of the following is common post-operative complication?

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent and serious complication following surgery, primarily due to factors introduced by the surgical experience.
The risk is explained by Virchow's Triad: venous stasis from immobility, a hypercoagulable state from the body's stress response to trauma, and potential endothelial (vessel lining) injury during the procedure.
Unlike the other options, DVT has a direct and well-established pathophysiological link to the conditions created by surgery and the immediate post-operative period.

Option B: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. While major physiological stress (like surgery) can cause stress ulcers, it is not considered a common, direct post-operative complication in the same way as DVT.
Option C: Renal stones (nephrolithiasis) are a chronic condition related to metabolic factors, diet, and hydration over time. They do not develop as an acute complication of surgery.
Option D: Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It has no causal relationship with surgical procedures.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Common Post-Operative Complications as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of DVT prevention. Vigilant assessment for signs of DVT (calf pain, swelling, redness, warmth) and implementation of preventive measures are critical patient safety responsibilities.
Preventive strategies include early ambulation, application of sequential compression devices (SCDs), administration of prophylactic anticoagulants as prescribed, and patient education on leg exercises.
What if the patient cannot ambulate due to the nature of their surgery (e.g., major orthopedic surgery)? In this case, pharmacological prophylaxis (anticoagulants) and mechanical prophylaxis (SCDs) become even more critical to prevent DVT.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a common complication directly related to surgery.
Analyze each option's relationship to the physiological state of a post-operative patient.
Recall that surgery involves immobility, tissue trauma, and a systemic stress response.
Evaluate which option is a direct consequence of these factors. Immobility leads to venous stasis, and trauma leads to a hypercoagulable state.
Deep Vein Thrombosis is directly caused by these conditions (Virchow's Triad). The other options are either chronic conditions (Renal Stones), unrelated infections (Malaria), or less common secondary issues (Gastritis).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 200-202

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 125-127

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.