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 C
Explanation
This statement should be included in the hand-off report because it provides essential information about the patient’s intraoperative status and potential postoperative complications, such as hypovolemia, anemia, or infection. The estimated blood loss (EBL) is an important indicator of the patient’s fluid balance and hemodynamic stability.
Choice A is wrong because “The client was intubated without complications.” is not relevant to the postoperative care of the patient. The intubation status is usually documented in the anesthesia record and does not need to be repeated in the hand-off report unless there were any issues or injuries related to the airway management.
Choice B is wrong because “There was a total of 10 sponges used during the procedure.” is not pertinent to the postoperative care of the patient.
The number of sponges used during the surgery is usually counted and verified by the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse in the operating room to prevent any retained foreign bodies. This information does not need to be communicated to the PACU nurse unless there was a discrepancy or a missing sponge.
Choice D is wrong because “The client is a member of the board of directors.” is not appropriate for the hand-off report.
This statement violates the patient’s privacy and confidentiality and does not contribute to the quality or safety of care. The patient’s role or position in the organization should not influence the hand-off communication or the postoperative care.
A hand-off report is a critical communication tool that facilitates the transfer of care from one provider to another. It should include relevant information about the patient’s medical history, surgical procedure, intraoperative events, postoperative plan, and any concerns or potential problems. A standardized hand-off tool, such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), can help improve the consistency, accuracy, and completeness of the hand-off report.
Some normal ranges that may be useful for postoperative care are:
• Blood pressure: 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
• Pulse: 60 to 100 beats/min
• Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths/min
• Oxygen saturation: 95% to 100%
• Temperature: 36°C to 37.5°C
• Hemoglobin: 12 to 18 g/dL
• Hematocrit: 36% to 54%
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypertension is a contraindication to living kidney donation because it can increase the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in the donor. Hypertension can also affect the quality and survival of the donated kidney in the recipient.
Therefore, a potential donor with uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension should not undergo a nephrectomy.
Choice A, osteoarthritis, is not a contraindication to living kidney donation.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that does not affect the kidneys or the cardiovascular system.
It may cause pain and stiffness in the joints, but it can be managed with medications and physical therapy. A potential donor with osteoarthritis can donate a kidney if they have normal kidney function and no other medical problems.
Choice B, primary glaucoma, is not a contraindication to living kidney donation.
Primary glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye and can lead to vision loss if untreated.
It does not affect the kidneys or the cardiovascular system. A potential donor with primary glaucoma can donate a kidney if they have normal kidney function and no other medical problems.
Choice D, amputation, is not a contraindication to living kidney donation.
Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb due to injury, infection, or disease.
It does not affect the kidneys or the cardiovascular system. A potential donor with amputation can donate a kidney if they have normal kidney function and no other medical problems.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg for systolic and diastolic pressure, respectively.
Normal ranges for kidney function are eGFR above 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and albuminuria below 30 mg/g.
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