A 70-Year-Old Patient Is Scheduled for Open-Heart Surgery

Multiple Choice

A 70-year-old patient is scheduled for open-heart surgery. The surgeon plans to use the great saphenous vein for the coronary bypass grafts. The patient asks, "What happens to my circulation when this vein is removed?" How should the nurse reply?

A) "Venous insufficiency is a common problem after this type of surgery."
B) "Oh, you have lots of veins-you won't even notice that it has been removed."
C) "You will probably experience decreased circulation after the vein is removed."
D) "This vein can be removed without harming your circulation because the deeper veins in your leg are in good condition."