A nurse is performing an initial assessment on a client who was admitted for pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A :

The size, depth, and color of the wound are important indicators of the stage and severity of the pressure ulcer. Measuring these parameters can help monitor the healing process and guide the appropriate treatment.

Choice B:

The presence of drainage, odor, or infection can signal complications or poor healing of the pressure ulcer. Drainage can indicate excessive moisture or exudate that can impair wound healing. Odor can suggest bacterial colonization or necrotic tissue. Infection can cause systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, or leukocytosis.

Choice C:

The type and frequency of dressing changes are essential components of pressure ulcer management. Dressings should be chosen based on the characteristics of the wound, such as the amount of exudate, the presence of necrotic tissue, or the need for debridement. Dressings should be changed as often as necessary to maintain a moist but not wet environment for wound healing.

Choice D :

The client's pain level and preferred analgesics are important data to collect because pressure ulcers can cause significant discomfort and affect the quality of life of the client. Pain can also interfere with wound healing by increasing stress and inflammation. Analgesics should be prescribed according to the client's needs and preferences, taking into account the potential side effects and interactions.

Choice E :

The client's nutritional status and fluid intake are not part of a problem-focused assessment on a client who has a pressure ulcer on their sacrum. These data are relevant for a comprehensive assessment that includes all aspects of the client's health and well-being. However, a problem-focused assessment is more narrow and specific to the presenting problem or issue. Therefore, choice E is not correct.

Choice A :

Comparing the client's vital signs with the previous ones is not the first action the nurse should take during an initial assessment. This is a part of an ongoing or focused assessment that monitors the client's response to treatment and identifies any changes in their condition.

Choice B :

Asking the client about their medical history and current medications is the correct action the nurse should take during an initial assessment. This is a part of collecting subjective data from the client that can provide valuable information about their health status, risk factors, allergies, preferences, and needs. This can help the nurse to identify any potential problems or complications related to the client's pneumonia and plan appropriate interventions.

Choice C :

Performing a head-to-toe physical examination of the client is not the first action the nurse should take during an initial assessment. This is a part of collecting objective data from the client that involves inspecting, palpating, percussing, and auscultating various body systems. However, before performing a physical examination, the nurse should obtain consent from the client, explain the purpose and procedure, and ensure privacy and comfort.

Choice D:

Evaluating the effectiveness of the prescribed antibiotics is not the first action the nurse should take during an initial assessment. This is a part of the evaluation phase of the nursing process that involves comparing the client's outcomes with the expected outcomes and modifying the plan of care as needed. However, before evaluating the effectiveness of any intervention, the nurse should first assess the client's baseline data and implement the intervention according to the plan of care.