A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding will alert the nurse to a potential wound dehiscence?

Chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site

Report by patient that something has given way

Drainage that is odorous and purulent

Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site:
While chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site can be a sign of wound complications, such as infection or poor wound healing, it is not as specific an indicator of impending wound dehiscence as the patient's report of "something giving way."

B. Report by patient that something has given way:
A patient reporting that something has given way is a significant indicator of potential wound dehiscence. Wound dehiscence refers to the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound, which can occur due to various factors such as poor wound healing, infection, or increased intra-abdominal pressure. Patients may describe a sensation of "something giving way" or "popping" if the wound starts to separate.

C. Drainage that is odorous and purulent:
Odorous and purulent drainage from an incision site may indicate an infection, which can contribute to wound dehiscence. However, this finding alone may not necessarily indicate immediate wound dehiscence.

D. Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening:
Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening is a severe complication known as evisceration, which is the most advanced stage of wound dehiscence. While this finding is indicative of a significant wound complication, it typically occurs after the initial separation of wound layers. Therefore, it is not an early sign that would alert the nurse to potential wound dehiscence

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. You should advance your weak leg forward to the cane, then move your strong leg:
Advancing the weak leg first and then the strong leg is not the proper technique for using a cane. The correct method is to hold the cane on the stronger side and move the cane and the weaker leg forward together, followed by the stronger leg.

B. You should advance the cane 12 to 14 inches before taking a step:
Advancing the cane 12 to 14 inches is too far. The cane should be advanced approximately 6 to 10 inches to maintain balance and support.

C. The cane’s height should be the same as the distance from the floor to the crest of your hip bone:
The correct height for a cane is when the handle is at the level of the wrist when the user is standing with the arm hanging naturally at their side. This typically corresponds to the distance from the floor to the greater trochanter (hip bone). This ensures the cane provides the right amount of support and reduces the risk of strain or imbalance.

D. You should hold the cane in your weak hand when ambulating:
The cane should be held in the stronger hand, not the weak hand. This allows the cane to provide support to the weaker side of the body and helps to balance the weight distribution more effectively.

A. An older adult who is confused and has urinary frequency B. An older adult with hearing impairment C. A client who has a dressing on his foot due to a pressure ulcer D. A client who has osteoarthritis and uses a walker

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) An older adult who is confused and has urinary frequency:
This client is at the greatest risk for a fall due to several factors. Confusion increases the likelihood of disorientation and impaired judgment, leading to accidents. Urinary frequency may necessitate frequent trips to the bathroom, increasing the chances of falls, especially if the client is disoriented or unsteady on their feet.

B) An older adult with hearing impairment:
While hearing impairment can contribute to a fall risk by limiting the client's ability to hear warnings or instructions, it may not pose as immediate a risk as confusion and urinary frequency, which directly affect mobility and judgment.

C) A client who has a dressing on his foot due to a pressure ulcer:
While having a dressing on the foot due to a pressure ulcer increases the risk of falls by potentially affecting the client's gait and balance, it may not be as significant a risk factor as confusion and urinary frequency, which directly impact the client's ability to safely navigate their environment.

D) A client who has osteoarthritis and uses a walker:
Although osteoarthritis and the use of a walker can contribute to mobility issues and an increased risk of falls, they may not present as immediate a risk as confusion and urinary frequency, which can lead to more unpredictable and hazardous situations.

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A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding will alert the nurse to a potential wound dehiscence?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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