A patient who underwent an axillofemoral bypass graft is receiving instructions from the nurse. The nurse should include which of the following information?

Explanation

• An axillofemoral bypass is a surgical revascularization procedure used to treat symptomatic aortoiliac occlusive disease for patients who cannot undergo aortofemoral intervention. The axillary artery is connected to the femoral artery via an artificial graft in order to restore perfusion to the lower extremity. 

• The axillary artery is connected via a long, flexible graft to the femoral artery below (and another graft may shunt blood to the opposite femoral artery) in order to restore perfusion to the lower extremities.

• Wearing a waist belt would put pressure across the abdomen, possibly occluding the bypass graft and cutting off circulation to the lower extremities. 

• Suspenders are preferred over a belt.

• Exercise and standing do not need to be avoided. 

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