Do you think Mr. Harding’s leg ulcer and amputated toe is related to his diabetes? Explain. (5 Marks)
In my opinion, Mr. Harding’s leg ulcer was due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and his amputate toe was due to both diabetes and PVD.
In terms of this patient’s ulcer, it appeared on the lower left leg and this is one of the most common areas to have an ulcer when presented with peripheral vascular disease. This disease is a chronic limb ischemia due to atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries. It has caused the lumen in Mr. Harding’s arteries in his legs to narrow and has caused reduced circulation. Since Mr. Harding has diabetes, it has made the condition worse. Smoking is also definitely a risk factor that has contributed …show more content…
Harding’s toe amputation was possibly due to inadequate circulation to the feet and there was no proper wound healing which had possibly resulted in infarction and necrosis of the area and could have been infected resulting in having to amputate his toe. This is an advanced case of peripheral vascular disease as it lead to blockage of blood flow to the feet. Having diabetes as well presents a high risk for requiring amputation. In terms of the amputate toe, I believe it was due to the combination of diabetes and PVD.
Question 4
What members of the multi-disciplinary team would be involved in Mr. Harding’s care? (5 Marks)
The main members required from the multi-disciplinary team to support Mr. Harding are:
- Optometrist: Mr. Harding presets with vision problems and wears glasses to help him read. An optometrist can increase the patient’s understanding of how diabetes can cause eye complications as it changes the shape of the lens causing temporary blurring of the vision. The optometrist is there to do an eye examination and if there have been any changes to the vision as well make sure Mr. Harding’s glasses are still appropriate for his specific vision level.
- General Practitioner: The GP is the center of all health care professionals. For Mr. Harding, the GP would check on blood pressure, temperature and refer any blood tests if they feel if Mr. Harding is deficient in anything. The GP will manage other illnesses such as ordering flu