A nurse is replacing the dressing for a client who is postoperative following thoracic surgery.
When assessing the surgical wound, which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of infection?
Crusting along the incision line.
Temperature of 37.2° C (99° F).
Pink coloration of the incision line.
Swelling extending 3.8 cm (1.5 in) from the incision.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Crusting along the incision line is the result of dried serous fluid and blood, which is a normal part of the wound healing process during the inflammatory phase. This finding alone is not indicative of a surgical site infection, which is characterized by other signs.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of $37.2^\circ C$ ($99^\circ F$) is within the normal range for body temperature ($36.1^\circ C$ to $37.2^\circ C$ or $97^\circ F$ to $99^\circ F$). An elevated temperature, specifically a fever, is a systemic sign of infection. A low-grade fever might be a subtle sign, but this temperature is not high enough.
Choice C rationale
Pink coloration of the incision line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing, representing angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This process is crucial for tissue repair and does not indicate a surgical site infection, which is typically characterized by erythema and warmth.
Choice D rationale
Swelling, or edema, is a classic sign of inflammation and infection. While some minor swelling is normal, swelling that extends significantly beyond the wound margins, such as 3.8 cm (1.5 in), indicates a heightened inflammatory response potentially due to bacterial proliferation and infection. *.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An acute hemolytic transfusion reaction is a severe and life-threatening reaction caused by an incompatibility between the donor's blood and the client's blood. The recipient's antibodies attack and destroy the transfused red blood cells, leading to hemolysis. The classic symptoms include chills, fever, low-back pain, tightness in the chest, and headache. This reaction is a medical emergency requiring immediate cessation of the transfusion and supportive care.
Choice B rationale
An allergic reaction to a blood transfusion is typically caused by the recipient's antibodies reacting to a foreign plasma protein in the donor blood. Symptoms can range from mild, such as hives and itching, to severe, such as anaphylaxis. However, symptoms like low-back pain and a feeling of "tightness" in the chest are more characteristic of a hemolytic reaction rather than a simple allergic response.
Choice C rationale
A febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction is the most common type of transfusion reaction. It is caused by the recipient's antibodies reacting to donor white blood cells. Symptoms include fever and chills, but typically do not include the severe manifestations of low-back pain, headache, and chest tightness that are seen in a hemolytic reaction. The reaction is usually not life-threatening.
Choice D rationale
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious and potentially fatal complication of a transfusion. It is characterized by the sudden onset of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema within six hours of a transfusion. Symptoms primarily involve respiratory distress, such as dyspnea and hypoxemia. While TRALI is severe, the symptoms presented, particularly the low-back pain and chest tightness, are more indicative of an acute hemolytic reaction. .
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Why Safety Comes First
- The client presents with multiple red flags for physical abuse and neglect, including bruises in various stages of healing, a fracture, and concerning behavior around the adult child.
- Ensuring the client is in a safe environment is the top priority to prevent further harm and initiate protective interventions.
Why Nutritional Status Is Next
- The client reports limited food availability and has a low BMI (18.3), suggesting possible malnutrition.
- Addressing nutritional needs is essential for recovery and overall well-being, especially in older adults who are vulnerable to rapid health decline.
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