A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a small bowel resection and has a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Which nursing intervention is most crucial to minimize the risk of a MRSA recurrence in the postoperative wound?
Change the surgical dressing promptly when it becomes soiled.
Monitor for any increase in the white blood cell count.
Educate the family on the importance of adhering to contact precautions.
Always wear a face mask while performing wound care.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Changing the surgical dressing promptly when it becomes soiled is crucial to minimize the risk of a MRSA recurrence in the postoperative wound. A soiled dressing can become a medium for bacterial growth, including MRSA, and can potentially contaminate the wound.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for any increase in the white blood cell count is important in detecting an infection, including a MRSA infection. However, it is not the most crucial intervention to minimize the risk of a MRSA recurrence in the postoperative wound.
Choice C rationale
Educating the family on the importance of adhering to contact precautions is important in preventing the spread of MRSA. However, it is not the most crucial intervention to minimize the risk of a MRSA recurrence in the postoperative wound.
Choice D rationale
Wearing a face mask while performing wound care can help prevent the spread of MRSA. However, it is not the most crucial intervention to minimize the risk of a MRSA recurrence in the postoperative wound.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["18"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to calculate the infusion rate. The prescription is for heparin 900 units/hr IV. The IV bag contains heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL of 0.45% normal saline.
So, the calculation would be (900 units ÷ 25,000 units) × 500 mL = 18 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assisting the spouse and carefully giving the patient small sips of water may seem like a compassionate action. However, it could potentially lead to aspiration if the patient’s swallowing reflex is compromised, which is common in stroke patients.
Choice B rationale
While obtaining thickening powder before providing any more fluids can help prevent aspiration in patients with dysphagia, it is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse first needs to assess the patient’s swallowing reflex before deciding on the appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale
The nurse should ask the spouse to stop and assess the patient’s swallowing reflex. This is the most immediate and appropriate action. Stroke patients often have impaired swallowing reflexes, which can lead to aspiration if not properly managed. By assessing the swallowing reflex, the nurse can determine the best course of action to ensure the patient’s safety.
Choice D rationale
Giving the spouse a straw to help facilitate the patient’s drinking is not the best course of action. Straws can increase the risk of aspiration in patients with impaired swallowing reflexes. The nurse should first assess the patient’s swallowing reflex before deciding on the appropriate intervention.
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