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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. Positioning the client’s arm above heart level.
Choice A: Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client’s arm
Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to an inaccurately high blood pressure reading, not a low one. A loose cuff does not compress the artery properly, causing the device to overestimate the pressure needed to occlude the artery.
Choice B: Measuring blood pressure right after the client’s mealtime
Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to the body’s metabolic response to digestion. This is not a common cause of a low blood pressure reading.
Choice C: Positioning the client’s arm above heart level
Positioning the client’s arm above heart level can lead to an inaccurately low blood pressure reading. When the arm is elevated, the hydrostatic pressure decreases, resulting in a lower reading. This is a well-known source of error in blood pressure measurement.
Choice D: Deflating the cuff too slowly
Deflating the cuff too slowly can cause venous congestion, which may lead to an inaccurately high reading rather than a low one. The standard deflation rate is 2-3 mm Hg per second to ensure accurate measurement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The carotid pulse sites should not be checked bilaterally at the same time because palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously can restrict blood flow to the brain and may also stimulate the vagus nerve, potentially causing bradycardia or even syncope.
Choice B reason: The popliteal pulse, located at the back of the knee, can be checked bilaterally without the risk of restricting blood flow to vital organs or stimulating a vagal response.
Choice C reason: The femoral pulse, found in the groin area, can also be checked bilaterally as it does not pose the same risks as the carotid pulse when checked simultaneously.
Choice D reason: The brachial pulse, located on the inside of the arm just above the elbow, is another site that can be checked bilaterally without significant risk.
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