A nurse is providing care for a patient who is due for surgery.
The patient’s lab results and physical history are as follows: Prealbumin level is 13 mg/dL (normal range: 15 to 36 mg/dL), Cholesterol is 230 mg/dL (normal is less than 200 mg/dL), and Fasting glucose is 110 mg/dL (normal range: 70 to 110 mg/dL). The patient has a history of hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following factors could potentially delay the patient’s wound healing process?
The patient’s medication history
The patient’s cholesterol level
The patient’s prealbumin level
The patient’s fasting glucose level
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While a patient’s medication history can impact wound healing, in this case, there is no specific information provided about the patient’s medications that would suggest a delay in wound healing.
Choice B rationale
Although the patient’s cholesterol level is elevated, hyperlipidemia is not typically associated with delayed wound healing.
Choice C rationale
Prealbumin is a marker of nutritional status. A low prealbumin level, like in this patient, could indicate malnutrition, which can delay wound healing. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing as it provides the necessary building blocks for tissue repair.
Choice D rationale
The patient’s fasting glucose level is within the normal range, so it is unlikely to impact wound healing. While poorly controlled diabetes can delay wound healing, this patient’s diabetes appears to be well-controlled.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is not recommended because it can lead to the spread of infection. The dressing is contaminated with blood and purulent drainage, which are considered biohazardous waste.
Choice B rationale
Double-bagging the dressing in clear bags and labeling it “biohazard” is not sufficient. While it’s important to label biohazardous waste, the dressing should be disposed of in a designated biohazardous waste container.
Choice C rationale
Enclosing the dressing in a single clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is also not recommended. This method does not provide adequate containment for biohazardous waste.
Choice D rationale
Disposing of the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method. This ensures that the biohazardous waste is properly contained and reduces the risk of spreading infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Wet-to-dry dressings are a form of mechanical debridement. This method involves applying a wet dressing to the wound and allowing it to dry. When the dressing is removed, it also removes some of the dead or damaged tissue from the wound, helping to clean the wound and promote healing. This method can be painful and is not selective, meaning it can also remove healthy tissue. However, it is often used for wounds with a large amount of debris or necrotic tissue.
Choice B rationale: Surgical debridement is another method of wound debridement, but it is not a form of mechanical debridement. This method involves using surgical instruments to remove dead or damaged tissue. It is the fastest method of debridement and is often used for wounds that are infected or have a large amount of necrotic tissue. However, it requires a skilled practitioner and can be painful.
Choice C rationale: Enzymatic debridement involves applying a topical ointment that contains enzymes to the wound. These enzymes help to break down dead or damaged tissue. This method is selective and only removes necrotic tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. However, it is not a form of mechanical debridement.
Choice D rationale: Autolytic debridement is a method that uses the body’s own enzymes and moisture to break down dead or damaged tissue. This is the slowest method of debridement but is also the least painful and is selective for necrotic tissue. Like enzymatic debridement, autolytic debridement is not a form of mechanical debridement.
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