A nurse is assessing a client who has an abdominal incision.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line.
Crusting of exudate on 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
Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line.
This is a sign of wound dehiscence, which is a serious complication that occurs when the edges of a surgical incision separate and the underlying tissues are exposed.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the first priority for the nurse is to assess the cause of the vomiting and ensure that the NG tube is working properly. If the suction device is malfunctioning, it could lead to gastric distension, nausea and vomiting. The nurse should check the suction settings, tubing, canister and connections for any problems.
Choice A is wrong because replacing the NG tube is not the first action to take.
The nurse should first rule out other causes of vomiting before attempting to reinsert the tube, which could be uncomfortable and risky for the client.
Choice B is wrong because providing oral hygiene care is not the most urgent action to take.
While oral hygiene care is important for comfort and infection prevention, it does not address the underlying cause of vomiting or prevent further complications.
Choice C is wrong because administering an antiemetic medication is not the most appropriate action to take.
The nurse should first identify the cause of vomiting and correct it if possible.
Giving an antiemetic medication without resolving the problem could mask symptoms and delay treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Absence seizures are brief, sudden lapses of consciousness that usually last a few seconds. They are more common in children than in adults.
A person having an absence seizure may stare blankly into space and not respond to others. They may also have subtle movements such as lip smacking or eyelid fluttering.
Choice B is wrong because absence seizures typically last less than 15 seconds, not 30 to 60 seconds.
Choice C is wrong because absence seizures have a sudden onset, not a gradual one.
Choice D is wrong because absence seizures do not have an aura prior to onset. An aura is a warning sign that some people experience before a seizure, such as a strange feeling, smell, or vision.
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