A nurse is preparing to perform a wet-to-dry dressing change for a client who has an infected abdominal wound.
Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when performing this dressing change?
Remove the tape by pulling from the center of the dressing
Wear sterile gloves to remove the dressing
Clean the wound from the center to the outer edges
Moisten the dressing before removal
The Correct Answer is C
When removing the dressing and cleaning the wound, it is important to start from the center of the wound and work towards the outer edges. This technique helps prevent contamination of the wound by minimizing the risk of dragging bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin into the wound.
The other options listed are not recommended for this specific procedure:
When removing the tape, it is generally recommended to pull it parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling from the center of the dressing. This technique reduces the risk of causing trauma or disrupting the wound.
While it is important to maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes, wearing sterile gloves is not necessary for a wet-to-dry dressing change. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure, as the dressing material itself is not sterile.
In a wet-to-dry dressing change, the dressing is typically applied moist and allowed to dry over time. Therefore, moistening the dressing before removal is not necessary. The primary goal is to remove the dry dressing, which may adhere to the wound bed, and then clean the wound before applying a fresh dressing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Checking the client's urine output regularly is important to monitor kidney function, hydration status, and the proper functioning of the urostomy. This information helps assess the client's overall condition and ensures that urine is flowing adequately. Any significant changes in urine output should be reported to the healthcare team.
Restricting the client's fluid intake until they are free of pain in (option A) is not necessary to be included in the discussion unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider. Adequate hydration is important for promoting healing and preventing complications.
Expecting the stoma to appear pale until healing is complete in (option B) is not necessary to be included in the discussion. A healthy stoma should have a pink or reddish appearance, indicating good blood supply. A pale stoma may suggest poor blood flow, and this should be assessed and reported to the healthcare provider.
Expecting the client's urine to contain clots for the first 24 hours in (option D) is not included in the discussion after urostomy surgery. Urine containing clots may indicate bleeding or other complications, and this should be promptly evaluated by the healthcare team.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should intervene when the AP raises all four side-rails on the client's bed. While it is important to ensure the client's safety and minimize the risk of falls, raising all four side-rails can be considered a restraint and may not be the best practice for fall prevention. The use of physical restraints, including all four side-rails, can lead to adverse outcomes such as entrapment, increased agitation, and decreased mobility.
Locking the wheels on the client's bed: This is an appropriate action to prevent the bed from rolling and ensures stability.
Clearing furniture from the path leading to the bathroom: This is a good practice as it creates a clear and safe path for the client to walk without obstacles.
Assisting the client to the bathroom every 2 hours: This is a proactive measure to prevent falls by ensuring regular toileting and minimizing the need for the client to get up and move independently.
It's important to promote mobility and independence for the client while ensuring their safety.
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