A nurse is caring for a client who has a stage III pressure ulcer on his heel. When preparing to irrigate the wound, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain the prescribed irrigation solution.
Don personal protective equipment.
Check the client's pain level.
Place a waterproof pad under the client's extremity.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should obtain the prescribed irrigation solution after assessing the client's pain level and providing analgesia if needed.
Choice B reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should don personal protective equipment after assessing the client's pain level and providing analgesia if needed.
Choice C reason: This is the correct action, because checking the client's pain level is the first step in the wound care process. The nurse should assess the client's pain level using a valid and reliable pain scale, and administer analgesia as prescribed before irrigating the wound.
Choice D reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should place a waterproof pad under the client's extremity after assessing the client's pain level and providing analgesia if needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the best action, because compression stockings can help improve the blood flow and prevent the formation of new clots in the veins of the legs. Compression stockings can also reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by thrombophlebitis.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action, because cold compresses can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the blood flow and the clotting process in the affected vein. Cold compresses can also increase the discomfort and numbness of the extremity.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect and dangerous action, because gently massaging the area can dislodge the clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, resulting in a life-threatening complication, such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect and misleading statement, because heparin is not prescribed to dissolve the thrombus, but to prevent the growth and extension of the existing clot and the formation of new clots. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting factors in the blood, but does not break down the clot. The body's own enzymes, such as plasmin, are responsible for dissolving the clot.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client who has BPH and reports dysuria is not the highest priority, because dysuria is a common symptom of BPH and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should monitor the client's urinary output and provide comfort measures.
Choice B reason: A client who has ulcerative colitis and reports diarrhea is not the highest priority, because diarrhea is a chronic symptom of ulcerative colitis and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should assess the client's hydration status and electrolyte levels and administer medications as prescribed.
Choice C reason: A client who has emphysema and reports dyspnea is the highest priority, because dyspnea is a sign of respiratory distress and can indicate an acute exacerbation of emphysema. The nurse should assess the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory rate and administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
Choice D reason: A client who has esophageal cancer and reports painful swallowing is not the highest priority, because painful swallowing is a common symptom of esophageal cancer and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should provide the client with soft or liquid foods and administer analgesics as prescribed.
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