A nurse working in the perioperative area is reviewing the Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) competencies. Which of the foIIowing competencies should the nurse identify as the priority when caring for a client during the perioperative period?
Evidence based practice
Informatics
quality improvement
Safety
The Correct Answer is D
A. Evidence-based practice:
Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating the best available evidence from research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values to inform nursing practice. In perioperative nursing, EBP is important for making informed decisions about preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care protocols. For example, using evidence-based guidelines for surgical site infection prevention, pain management strategies, and postoperative care protocols can improve patient outcomes and safety.
B. Informatics:
Informatics refers to the use of information technology and data management systems to support nursing practice, education, research, and patient care. In perioperative nursing, informatics plays a crucial role in managing electronic health records (EHRs), accessing patient data, documenting care, and communicating with interdisciplinary team members. It also includes utilizing perioperative information systems for surgical scheduling, anesthesia records, and tracking patient progress during surgery.
C. Quality improvement:
Quality improvement (QI) involves systematic processes to monitor, assess, and improve the quality of healthcare services. In perioperative nursing, QI initiatives focus on enhancing patient safety, optimizing surgical outcomes, reducing complications, and improving efficiency in perioperative processes. Nurses participate in QI projects by analyzing data, identifying areas for improvement, implementing evidence-based practices, and evaluating the impact of interventions on patient care and outcomes.
D. Safety:
Safety is a fundamental QSEN competency, particularly critical in perioperative nursing care. Perioperative nurses are responsible for ensuring the safety of patients during all phases of surgery, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative care, and postoperative recovery. This includes measures such as verifying patient identity and surgical site, preventing surgical errors (e.g., wrong-site surgery), maintaining aseptic techniques to prevent infections, preventing falls and injuries, managing anesthesia safely, and adhering to protocols for safe medication administration and equipment use.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Keeping the wound clean and non-infected: When caring for a client with a pressure injury, the priority in the plan of care is to keep the wound clean and prevent infection. This involves regular wound assessment, proper wound cleaning techniques, application of appropriate dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage. Preventing infection is crucial for promoting healing and preventing complications.
B. Application of a negative pressure wound care device: While negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be beneficial in promoting wound healing, it may not be the immediate priority unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider based on the stage and characteristics of the pressure injury. Keeping the wound clean and preventing infection take precedence over NPWT in the initial plan of care.
C. Client education on wound prevention: While client education is important for preventing future pressure injuries, it is not the immediate priority when caring for an existing pressure injury. The focus initially should be on managing the current wound to promote healing and prevent complications.
D. Promoting a high carbohydrate, low protein diet: Nutritional interventions are important in wound healing, but promoting a specific diet is not the immediate priority in the plan of care for a pressure injury. Providing adequate nutrition and addressing any nutritional deficiencies may be part of the overall plan, but it is secondary to keeping the wound clean and preventing infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Body mass index (BMI) of 19:
A BMI of 19 falls within the normal weight range. While obesity (high BMI) is a known risk factor for surgical complications, including SSIs, having a lower BMI (underweight) like 19 may not directly increase the risk of SSIs. However, extreme malnutrition or low BMI due to underlying health conditions could potentially impact wound healing and immune function, indirectly contributing to infection risk.
B. History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT):
A history of deep vein thrombosis is a risk factor for surgical complications, including SSIs. Patients with a history of DVT may have impaired circulation or underlying vascular issues, which can affect tissue perfusion, wound healing, and increase the risk of infections.
C. Aged 55 years old:
Age is a risk factor for surgical complications, including SSIs. Older adults, typically defined as those aged 65 and above, may have reduced immune function, slower wound healing, and underlying health conditions that contribute to infection risk. While 55 years old is not considered advanced age in terms of surgical risk, older age in general is associated with a higher risk of complications.
D. Type 2 diabetes mellitus:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for SSIs. Diabetes can impair immune function, delay wound healing, and increase susceptibility to infections. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can further exacerbate the risk of SSIs post-surgery.
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