A nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit is caring for an elderly patient. Which of the following nursing observations would indicate that the patient is at risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
Patient ate half of his breakfast tray.
Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee.
Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds.
Patient is incontinent of stool.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
The choice "Patient ate half of his breakfast tray" is not the correct answer. While poor appetite or decreased intake can impact a patient's nutritional status, it is not a direct indicator of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice B rationale:
The choice "Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee" is not the correct answer. This might indicate a localized skin issue, such as an allergic reaction or dermatitis, but it is not a clear sign of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice C rationale:
The choice "Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds" is not the correct answer. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral circulation and is useful in evaluating perfusion, but it is not specifically indicative of pressure ulcer risk.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is "Patient is incontinent of stool." Choice D is the correct answer. Incontinence, especially fecal incontinence, increases the risk of pressure ulcer development. Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or stool weakens the skin's integrity, making it more susceptible to breakdown when pressure is applied over bony prominences.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Washing hands for 5 to 10 seconds prior to administering medication is indeed an important safety measure, but it is not specifically related to changing or applying a transdermal patch. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infection, but it doesn't directly address the process of applying a patch.
Choice B rationale:
Applying the patch over a non-hairy area within the patient's skin is the correct answer. This is crucial because hair can interfere with the adhesion of the patch, leading to inadequate drug absorption. The rationale behind this is to ensure that the medication is effectively delivered through the skin into the bloodstream without any barriers such as hair. It's also important to choose a site that is clean, dry, and free from cuts or irritation.
Choice C rationale:
Leaving the previous medication patch in place is not recommended. It's essential to remove the old patch before applying a new one to prevent accumulation of the medication and to ensure accurate dosing. Failing to remove the previous patch could lead to an overdose or altered drug effects.
Choice D rationale:
Ensuring that the patient is lying down is not a specific safety measure for changing or applying a transdermal patch. The patient's position doesn't directly impact the effectiveness of the patch or the safety of the application process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Protective precautions (also known as reverse isolation) are implemented to protect clients with compromised immune systems from potential pathogens brought in by healthcare providers or visitors. This choice would be appropriate for clients who are highly susceptible to infections, but it's not the primary choice for managing a wound infected with MRSA.
Choice B rationale:
Droplet precautions are utilized for diseases spread by respiratory droplets. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact with contaminated skin or objects. Therefore, droplet precautions are not the most appropriate choice for this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Airborne precautions are designed for diseases that spread via small particles suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis. MRSA does not spread through the airborne route, so airborne precautions are not necessary for a wound infection with MRSA.
Choice D rationale:
Contact precautions are the correct choice when dealing with MRSA infections. MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact or contact with contaminated objects. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse can effectively prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and healthcare workers.
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