A client has an abdominal incision. The surgical wound was closed with 10 sutures. This surgical wound heals by what type of intention?

Choice A reason: This is not the best action because encouraging range of motion can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Range of motion is the movement of the joints and muscles through their normal extent. Range of motion can help to prevent stiffness, contractures, and muscle atrophy, but it can also increase the swelling and pressure in the affected area, which can impair the circulation and sensation.

Choice B reason: This is not the best action because applying heat to the affected hand can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the tissues. Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a warmer object to a cooler one. Heat can help to relax the muscles, reduce the pain, and increase the blood flow, but it can also increase the inflammation and edema in the affected area, which can compromise the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues.

Choice C reason: This is the best action because removing the cast can decrease the pressure and restore the circulation and sensation to the affected area. A cast is a rigid device that immobilizes and protects a fractured or injured body part. A cast can help to align the bones, prevent displacement, and promote healing, but it can also cause complications, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. The nurse should remove the cast immediately and notify the physician if the client shows signs of compartment syndrome, such as numbness, tingling, pallor, coolness, or swelling.

Choice D reason: This is not the best action because raising the arm above the level of the heart can worsen the symptoms and cause more damage to the nerves and blood vessels. Raising the arm above the level of the heart can help to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area, but it can also reduce the blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which can lead to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrene. The nurse should elevate the arm at or below the level of the heart and monitor the pulse, color, temperature, and sensation of the fingers.

Choice A reason: Ischemia is a cause of a pressure ulcer, because it means reduced blood flow to the tissues, which can lead to tissue hypoxia, necrosis, and ulceration. Ischemia can result from factors such as compression, friction, shear, or vascular disease.

Choice B reason: Immobility is a cause of a pressure ulcer, because it means prolonged pressure on the bony prominences, which can impair blood flow and cause ischemia, tissue damage, and ulceration. Immobility can result from factors such as paralysis, injury, illness, or sedation.

Choice C reason: Poor nutrition is a cause of a pressure ulcer, because it means inadequate intake or absorption of nutrients, such as protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for tissue repair and wound healing. Poor nutrition can result from factors such as anorexia, malabsorption, or poverty.

Choice D reason: Moisture is a cause of a pressure ulcer, because it means excessive wetness or dampness of the skin, which can weaken the skin barrier, increase the risk of infection, and delay wound healing. Moisture can result from factors such as incontinence, perspiration, or wound drainage.

Choice E reason: Adequate perfusion is not a cause of a pressure ulcer, but rather a protective factor. Adequate perfusion means sufficient blood flow to the tissues, which can prevent ischemia, tissue damage, and ulceration. Adequate perfusion can be promoted by factors such as regular repositioning, pressure relief, and exercise.