How should a nurse document the presence of thick, creamy yellow discharge on a patient’s dressing?
Purulent drainage
Serosanguineous drainage
Serous drainage
Sanguineous drainage
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Thick, creamy yellow discharge is a hallmark characteristic of purulent drainage. This type of drainage is commonly referred to as pus and is indicative of an infection within the wound. It is composed of white blood cells, dead bacteria, cellular debris, and inflammatory cells, giving it its characteristic opaque, thick, and yellowish appearance.
Purulent drainage is a significant clinical finding that requires prompt attention and intervention. Early identification and management of wound infections can prevent complications such as abscess formation, cellulitis, sepsis, and delayed wound healing.
Accurate documentation of purulent drainage is essential for communication among healthcare providers, monitoring wound progress, and guiding treatment decisions.
Choice B rationale:
Serosanguineous drainage is a mixture of serous fluid (clear, thin, and watery) and blood. It often appears pink or slightly red and is commonly observed in the early stages of wound healing or after dressing changes. While it may contain a small amount of blood, it lacks the thick, creamy consistency and yellow color that are characteristic of purulent drainage.
Choice C rationale:
Serous drainage is clear, thin, and watery, resembling plasma. It is a normal part of the wound healing process and is often seen in the early inflammatory stage. It does not contain the thick consistency or yellow coloration that are indicative of purulent drainage.
Choice D rationale:
Sanguineous drainage is composed primarily of fresh blood. It is bright red in color and typically indicates active bleeding within the wound. It does not exhibit the thick, creamy consistency or yellow hue that are characteristic of purulent drainage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Splinting the incision when coughing helps to minimize pain and discomfort, which can encourage deeper breathing and coughing. This is essential because deep breathing and coughing help to clear secretions from the lungs and prevent atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue).
Steps for splinting the incision:
Place a pillow or folded towel over the incision site.
Instruct the patient to apply gentle pressure to the pillow or towel with their hands when coughing or deep breathing. Encourage the patient to relax their abdominal muscles during coughing and deep breathing exercises.
Choice B rationale:
Sitting up in a chair and ambulating promote lung expansion and help to mobilize secretions. This is because gravity assists in moving secretions from the smaller airways into the larger airways, where they can be more easily coughed up.
Additional benefits of sitting up and ambulating: Improved circulation
Decreased risk of pneumonia Enhanced recovery from surgery Choice C rationale:
Using an incentive spirometer hourly helps to increase lung capacity and prevent atelectasis. The device encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths, which helps to inflate the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.
Instructions for using an incentive spirometer:
Sit upright in a chair or bed.
Place the mouthpiece of the spirometer in your mouth and seal your lips around it.
Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, aiming to raise the piston inside the device as high as possible. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds.
Exhale slowly and completely through the mouthpiece.
Repeat the process 10-15 times per hour, or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Burning dried herbs is a form of traditional medicine, not allopathic medicine.
Traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of practices and therapies that have been used for centuries across different cultures.
It often relies on natural substances and processes, such as herbs, acupuncture, and massage, to promote healing and well- being.
While traditional medicine can offer valuable benefits, it's important to note that it's not always based on scientific evidence and its efficacy can vary depending on the specific practice and condition being treated.
Choice B rationale:
Tai chi exercises are a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), not allopathic medicine.
CAM encompasses a diverse group of therapies that are not considered part of mainstream conventional medicine. Tai chi is a mind-body practice that involves gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing.
It has been shown to offer a range of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving balance, and easing pain.
However, it's important to note that tai chi is not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care when necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Prescription of antibiotic medication is a hallmark of allopathic medicine.
Allopathic medicine, also known as conventional or Western medicine, is based on the scientific understanding of the body and disease.
It focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or conditions using medications, surgery, or other interventions that have been proven effective through rigorous scientific research.
Antibiotics are a type of medication that specifically targets and kills bacteria.
They are essential for treating bacterial infections, which can cause a wide range of illnesses, from minor skin infections to life- threatening pneumonia.
Choice D rationale:
Manipulation of the spine, also known as chiropractic care, is a form of CAM, not allopathic medicine. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
Chiropractors use manual adjustments to the spine to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore function.
While some studies have shown that chiropractic care can be effective for certain conditions, such as lower back pain, it's important to note that it's not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care when necessary.
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