A nurse is assessing a client who has an abdominal incision. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Crusting of exudate on the incisional line
Mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line
Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line
Pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Crusting of exudate on the incisional line: A small amount of dried exudate forming a crust along the incision is a normal part of the healing process and typically does not indicate infection or complication. It protects the tissue underneath and usually resolves with routine hygiene, so it does not require immediate reporting.
B. Mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line: Mild localized swelling is expected in the early postoperative period due to inflammation and tissue repair. This is a common finding and generally resolves as healing progresses, making it a normal assessment observation.
C. Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line: Partial dehiscence is a serious complication that can lead to infection, evisceration, or delayed healing. This finding requires prompt notification of the provider for immediate intervention, which may include wound closure, protective dressing, or surgical management.
D. Pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line: Light pink coloration along the incision indicates normal healing and adequate perfusion of the tissue. It reflects healthy granulation tissue formation and is expected in the early stages postoperatively, so it does not require urgent reporting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I will change my baby's diaper at least every 4 hours.": Frequent diaper changes help keep the circumcision site clean and dry, reducing the risk of infection and irritation from urine or stool. Keeping the area free from moisture allows proper healing and minimizes discomfort for the newborn. This reflects correct home care following a circumcision.
B. "I will wash the penis with soap and warm water until the circumcision has healed.": Using soap on the circumcision site can cause irritation and delay healing. The area should be gently cleansed with warm water only, allowing the natural healing process to occur without additional chemical irritation from soaps or wipes containing alcohol or fragrances.
C. "I will apply topical lidocaine following each diaper change.": Topical anesthetics such as lidocaine are not recommended for routine circumcision care because they may cause toxicity or be absorbed unpredictably in newborns. Pain is managed through comfort measures such as swaddling, breastfeeding, or using petroleum jelly, not through anesthetic application.
D. "I will apply an ice pack to my baby's penis twice daily to decrease swelling.": Applying ice to a newborn’s circumcision site is unsafe and can cause tissue injury due to extreme temperature sensitivity. Mild swelling is expected and resolves naturally; the recommended care involves gentle cleansing and protecting the site with petroleum jelly not cold therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has a complete femur fracture and reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10: Severe pain is significant and requires timely management, but it is not immediately life-threatening compared to acute cardiac events. Pain control should follow stabilization of critical conditions.
B. A client who has left shoulder pain and S-T elevation on a 12-lead ECG: ST-segment elevation indicates a possible acute myocardial infarction, which is a life-threatening emergency. Prompt assessment and intervention are crucial to prevent cardiac damage or death, making this the highest priority.
C. A client who has Clostridium difficile and a temperature of 38.5°C (101.5°F): Fever and infection require attention, but this client is currently stable compared with someone experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. Infection control and monitoring can follow stabilization of higher-priority emergencies.
D. A client who has orthostatic hypotension and 4+ pitting edema in the lower extremities: These findings indicate fluid imbalance and cardiovascular compromise, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as an acute STEMI. Monitoring and management should follow urgent cardiac care.
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