A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has burns to his lower extremities. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
Cleanse the most contaminated wounds first.
Use hydrogen peroxide for wound cleaning
Perform dressing changes every other day.
Apply dressings with sterile gloves
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Cleanse the most contaminated wounds first: Wound care should begin with the cleanest area and progress to the most contaminated to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Starting with the dirtiest wounds may spread infection to cleaner sites.
B. Use hydrogen peroxide for wound cleaning: Hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. It is generally not recommended for burn wound care due to its cytotoxic effects on granulating tissue.
C. Perform dressing changes every other day: Dressing frequency depends on the type of burn, wound condition, and healthcare provider's orders. Some burn wounds require daily or even more frequent changes to prevent infection and promote healing.
D. Apply dressings with sterile gloves: Sterile technique is critical in burn care to prevent infection. Using sterile gloves during dressing application ensures the wound is protected from external contaminants during a vulnerable healing phase.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
• Administer aspirin for fever: Aspirin can increase circulating thyroid hormones by displacing T4 and T3 from protein-binding sites. In a hyperthyroid or recently post-thyroidectomy patient, this may precipitate or worsen a thyroid storm. Acetaminophen is a safer antipyretic choice.
• Apply cooling blanket: The client’s postoperative fever (38.3°C), elevated heart rate (98/min), and history of hyperthyroidism indicate a risk for thyroid storm. External cooling is a supportive measure to manage hyperthermia during this critical period.
• Monitor vital signs every 4 hours: This is anticipated to detect signs of complications such as thyroid storm, hemorrhage, or airway compromise. Postoperative clients require close observation to identify early changes in temperature, pulse, or respiration.
• Place client on telemetry: Cardiac monitoring is essential after thyroidectomy in clients with a history of hyperthyroidism. Increased metabolic demand, fever, and potential for arrhythmias justify continuous cardiac observation.
• Palpate thyroid area to assess for hematoma: A neck hematoma is a potentially life-threatening complication of thyroid surgery. It can lead to airway obstruction. Palpation and inspection for swelling or firmness around the incision site are critical nursing assessments.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
• Heart rate of 110/min indicates tachycardia, which can be an early sign of hypovolemia, sepsis, or pain and should be followed up due to the recent report of a "popping" sound and increased drainage.
• Abdominal dressing now has a large amount of serosanguinous drainage, suggesting possible wound dehiscence or evisceration, which is a surgical emergency requiring prompt evaluation.
• Blood pressure of 98/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which, along with tachycardia and fever, suggests potential sepsis or internal fluid loss and needs immediate intervention.
• Pedal pulses are 2+, which is within normal limits and unchanged from Day 1, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion at present.
• Oxygen saturation at 95% on room air is within normal limits and not significantly changed from previous levels, requiring no urgent action.
• Breath sounds are still clear and present bilaterally, indicating no respiratory compromise or pulmonary complication at this time.
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