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
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
The correct answer is choice D. This test should be performed after your baby is 24 hours old. This is because newborn genetic screening is a set of laboratory tests that detect a set of known genetic diseases that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival. The test is performed on a blood sample obtained from a heel prick when the baby is two or three days old. Performing the test after 24 hours ensures that the baby has had enough time to metabolize certain substances that could interfere with the accuracy of the test.
Choice A is wrong because the blood sample is not drawn from the baby’s inner elbow, but from the heel. Choice B is wrong because the baby does not need to drink water prior to the test, as this could dilute the blood sample and affect the results. Choice C is wrong because the test does not need to be repeated when the baby is 2 months old, unless there is a positive or inconclusive result from the first test.
Newborn genetic screening is important for early detection and intervention of certain conditions that can cause serious health problems or disability if left untreated. Parents should be informed about the benefits and limitations of the test, as well as their rights and options regarding consent and confidentiality.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This prescription is complete because it includes the medication name, dose, route, and frequency.
A complete prescription should also include the client’s name, date, time, signature of the prescriber, and any special instructions.
Choice A is wrong because it does not specify the dose of cimetidine.
PO twice daily is not enough information to administer the medication safely.
Choice B is wrong because it does not specify the frequency of tetracycline.
200 mg PO is not enough information to administer the medication safely.
Choice C is wrong because it does not specify the route of epoetin alfa.
150 units/kg three times weekly is not enough information to administer the medication safely.
Normal ranges for digoxin are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for heart failure and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for atrial fibrillation.
Normal ranges for cimetidine are 50 to 150 ng/mL.
Normal ranges for tetracycline are 1 to 10 mcg/mL.
Normal ranges for epoetin alfa are not applicable as it is a synthetic hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
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