A nurse caring for a postoperative client removes the client's dressing and notes an area of dehiscence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the head of the client's bed flat with the client's legs extended.
Apply butterfly strips to approximate the wound edges.
Apply pressure directly to the wound for 15 min.
Place a sterile, saline-soaked dressing on the wound.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Place the head of the client's bed flat with the client's legs extended: Positioning flat may increase tension on the abdominal incision, potentially worsening the dehiscence. A low Fowler’s position with knees slightly bent is preferred to reduce strain on the wound.
B. Apply butterfly strips to approximate the wound edges: Forcing the wound edges together could trap bacteria inside and increase the risk of infection. Dehiscence requires moist protection, not forced closure at the bedside.
C. Apply pressure directly to the wound for 15 min: Direct pressure is appropriate for active bleeding, not for dehiscence. Applying pressure could damage tissues further and does not address the need to protect exposed structures.
D. Place a sterile, saline-soaked dressing on the wound: A moist sterile dressing protects the wound from contamination, prevents the tissues from drying, and reduces the risk of infection while awaiting further surgical evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who is taking warfarin and has started to breastfeed: Warfarin passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, the infant’s coagulation status should be monitored, and follow-up with the healthcare provider is appropriate to ensure safety.
B. A client who is taking bumetanide and reports an increase in urinary frequency: Increased urination is an expected pharmacologic effect of loop diuretics like bumetanide. This finding does not require follow-up unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. A client who received a Mantoux test 48 hr ago and has an induration: A positive Mantoux test requires interpretation by a healthcare provider, but the presence of induration alone is a normal finding that triggers standard follow-up for tuberculosis screening.
D. A client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy and is taking sodium phosphate: Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a bowel prep for colonoscopy. As long as the client follows the prescribed instructions and has no contraindications, this does not require additional follow-up.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administer ondansetron to the client for nausea: Treating nausea is important for comfort, but it does not address the most urgent risk. Nausea is not immediately life-threatening compared with potential complications from medication overdose.
B. Obtain a blood glucose level: Checking blood glucose can provide useful information, but there is no indication of hypoglycemia or diabetes-related crisis in this scenario. It is not the priority action.
C. Implement seizure precautions for the client: The client has been doubling the bupropion dose, which significantly increases the risk of seizures, especially at doses above the prescribed maximum. Seizure precautions address an immediate life-threatening risk and should be the first intervention.
D. Obtain the client's weight: Monitoring weight is important for assessing nutritional status and the severity of depression, but it is not an immediate safety concern. Life-threatening risks, such as seizures, take priority.
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