A surgical incision that is healing by secondary intention develops a thick tan exudate. Which action should the nurse take first?

Apply a debriding agent.

Apply steri-strips.

Obtain a wound culture.

Remove every other suture.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Debriding agents are used to remove necrotic or non-viable tissue from a wound. While debridement can be necessary if there is evidence of necrotic tissue or eschar, the presence of thick tan exudate alone does not necessarily indicate that debridement is needed.
B.   Steri-strips are used to support wound closure and can be applied to wounds with approximated edges. However, in the case of a wound healing by secondary intention (where the edges are not brought together but heal from the inside out), steri-strips are not typically used. This action is not relevant if the wound is healing by secondary intention and if there is a thick exudate present.
C.   Obtaining a wound culture is important if there is a suspicion of infection, especially if there is a change in the character of the exudate, increased redness, swelling, or other signs of infection. A thick tan exudate might be indicative of an infection or could be a normal part of the healing process
D.   Removing sutures in a wound that is healing by secondary intention is not appropriate as it could disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to complications. Sutures are typically removed when the wound is healing by primary intention and the edges are approximated.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While avoiding friction can help to prevent skin breakdown, it's not the most important intervention for this client. Frequent position changes are more effective in reducing pressure on the skin and preventing ulcers.
B. Nutrition is important for overall health, but it's not the most immediate concern in this case. Preventing pressure ulcers is the priority.
C. While keeping the skin clean and dry is important, it's not the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Frequent position changes are more important for reducing pressure on the skin.
D. The most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile clients is to change their position frequently. This helps to relieve pressure on bony areas and promote circulation to the skin. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can help to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers.

A. Measure body temperature. B. Administer PRN oxygen. C. Send for chest x-ray. D. Obtain sputum for culture.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Measuring body temperature is important in assessing the client’s overall condition and identifying a fever, which is common in pneumonia. However, while it provides useful information about the client's status, it is not the most urgent action compared to interventions that could immediately impact the client’s respiratory function or confirm the diagnosis.
B. Administering PRN (as needed) oxygen is crucial if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing. If the client's face appears cyanotic or if they are experiencing respiratory distress, this action should be prioritized to ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. A chest x-ray is essential for diagnosing pneumonia and assessing the extent of lung involvement. However, while it is critical for diagnosis, addressing immediate respiratory needs and symptoms takes precedence.
D. Obtaining sputum for culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy. However, this action is less urgent than ensuring the client’s immediate respiratory needs are met and confirming the diagnosis through imaging.

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A surgical incision that is healing by secondary intention develops a thick tan exudate. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While turning a client who recently suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the nurse assesses for pressure areas and skin breakdown. The skin over the sacral area is intact with non- blanchable redness. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for this immobile client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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