A nurse is assessing a client who has had staples removed from an abdominal wound postoperatively. The nurse notes separation of the wound edges with copious light-brown serous drainage. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Check the client's vital signs.
Cover the wound with a moist, sterile gauze dressing.
Assess the client's pain level.
Obtain a culture and sensitivity of the wound drainage
The Correct Answer is B
A. Check the client's vital signs. While vital signs are important for overall assessment, the immediate priority when faced with wound dehiscence is to protect the wound and prevent further contamination or damage.
B. Cover the wound with a moist, sterile gauze dressing. The first priority is to cover the wound with a moist, sterile dressing to protect it from infection and to manage the drainage. This helps in creating a barrier to prevent contamination and supports the wound environment for healing.
C. Assess the client's pain level. Pain assessment is important but not the immediate priority in this case. Managing the wound and preventing further complications is more critical.
D. Obtain a culture and sensitivity of the wound drainage. While obtaining a culture is important to identify any infection, it is not the first action. Protecting the wound from further contamination comes first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Eating a high fiber diet will reduce my risk for developing skin cancer." There is no evidence that a high-fiber diet specifically reduces the risk of skin cancer. This statement indicates a misunderstanding and a need for further teaching.
B. "I should check my skin monthly for any changes." Regular self-examinations are recommended to detect early signs of skin cancer.
C. "I should use sunscreen even on cloudy days." UV rays can penetrate clouds, so using sunscreen on cloudy days is an important preventive measure.
D. "I should avoid the use of tanning booths." Tanning booths increase the risk of skin cancer, so avoiding them is a correct preventive action.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin level:While knowing the hemoglobin level helps determine the need for the transfusion, it is generally assessed and ordered by the provider before the transfusion is prescribed. It is important information but not the most immediate data required directly before administering the PRBCs.
B. Fluid intake:Monitoring fluid balance is important, especially in clients at risk for fluid overload, but it is not as immediately critical as temperature in detecting potential reactions to the transfusion.
C. Temperature:A baseline temperature is crucial to monitor for febrile reactions during the transfusion. Any significant rise in temperature can signal a transfusion reaction, which requires immediate intervention.
D. Skin color:Skin color can provide information on overall oxygenation and perfusion but is not as specific or immediately useful as temperature for monitoring for transfusion reactions.
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