A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Which of the following information provided by the client indicates improvement? Select all that apply.

The correct answer is choice B. Using an electronic messaging system to remind clients when to take medications. Tertiary prevention in healthcare involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This is done by helping people manage long-term, often-complex health problems and injuries in order to improve as much as possible their ability to function, their quality of life, and their life expectancy. In the context of an HIV clinic, reminding clients to take their medications can help manage the disease effectively and prevent complications.

Choice A rationale:

Educating clients about contraindications to specific immunizations is incorrect because this is more aligned with primary prevention, which aims to prevent the onset of an illness or injury before the disease process begins.

Choice C rationale:

Providing clients with information about the benefits of exercise is incorrect as this is generally considered a part of primary prevention, promoting general health to prevent various diseases.

Choice D rationale:

Helping clients understand health screenings covered by their insurance plans is incorrect because this is typically associated with secondary prevention, which involves screening to identify diseases in the earliest stages.

Wound dehiscence can lead to infection, bleeding, and evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the incision). The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution.

Choice A is wrong because mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing. It does not indicate infection or dehiscence unless accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage.

Choice B is wrong because crusting of exudate on the incisional line is also a normal finding that indicates the formation of a scab.

A scab protects the wound from infection and helps it heal faster. The nurse should not remove the scab unless instructed by the provider.

Choice D is wrong because pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line is another normal finding that shows healthy granulation tissue.

Granulation tissue is new tissue that fills in the wound and helps it close. It is usually pink or red and moist.

The nurse should follow these general tips for postoperative abdominal incision care:

• Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
• Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
• Look for any bleeding.

If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
• Try not to scratch any itchy wounds.
• You can shower starting 48 hours after your operation but no scrubbing or soaking of the abdominal wounds in a tub.
• After the initial dressing from the operating room is removed, you can leave the wound open to air unless there is drainage or you feel more comfortable with soft gauze covering the wound.
• Surgical glue (Indermil) will fall off over a period of up to 2-3 weeks.

Do not put any topical ointments or lotions on the incisions.

• Do not rub over the incisions with a washcloth or towel.
• No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until evaluated at your clinic appointment.