A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help prevent an incisional infection?
Clean the incision with soap and water.
Perform hand hygiene prior to dressing changes.
Initiate protective isolation.
Allow the wound to air periodically.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Cleaning the incision with soap and water is not typically recommended as it can disrupt the healing process and may lead to irritation or infection. The incision should be kept clean and dry, and any cleaning should be done according to the surgeon's instructions.
Choice B reason: Performing hand hygiene before dressing changes is essential in preventing incisional infections. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections, including those at surgical sites.
Choice C reason: Protective isolation is used for immunocompromised patients to protect them from infections, not typically for postoperative patients unless they are at high risk for infection due to other conditions.
Choice D reason: Allowing the wound to air can be part of the healing process, but it must be done carefully and under the guidance of healthcare professionals to ensure that the wound is protected from contamination.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Initiating humidification therapy can be beneficial for a client with pneumonia. Humidified air can help loosen respiratory secretions, making them easier to expectorate. However, while this intervention is helpful, it is not typically the first action a nurse should take. The priority is to address the client's immediate need for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to cough and perform deep breathing exercises is an essential part of care for patients with pneumonia. These actions help to clear mucus from the lungs and improve ventilation. Deep breathing helps to fully expand the alveoli, which can be compromised in pneumonia, and coughing helps to expel secretions that may be blocking the airways. However, this is not the most immediate action when the oxygen saturation is borderline normal.
Choice C reason: Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is important in the management of pneumonia. Adequate hydration thins respiratory secretions, making them easier to clear. It also supports overall bodily functions, which can be taxed during illness. Nonetheless, this intervention is not the most critical initial step in managing a client's immediate respiratory needs.
Choice D reason: Raising the head of the bed is the correct and immediate action to take for a client with pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 88%. This position helps to improve chest expansion, promotes better lung aeration, and facilitates easier breathing. It also reduces the risk of aspiration, which is particularly important in clients with pneumonia. Elevating the head of the bed is a simple yet effective way to enhance oxygenation and should be the first step taken.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Urinary catheterization is a well-known risk factor for HAIs, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The use of indwelling urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and is associated with a significant proportion of HAIs.
Choice B reason: While malnutrition can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infections, it is not a direct cause of HAIs. Good nutritional status is important for wound healing and infection prevention, but it does not cause HAIs by itself.
Choice C reason: Having multiple caregivers can increase the risk of transmitting infections, especially if hand hygiene and other infection control practices are not consistently followed. However, it is not considered a direct cause of HAIs like urinary catheterization is.
Choice D reason: Chlorhexidine washes are actually used as a preventive measure against HAIs, particularly in reducing the risk of surgical site infections. They are not a cause of HAIs but rather part of the solution to prevent them.
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