During a skin inspection at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notices patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales on the client's elbows and knees. What skin abnormality does the nurse suspect?

Choice A reason: Fistula is a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin. Fistula can occur as a result of infection, inflammation, trauma, surgery, or congenital defect. Fistula can cause pain, bleeding, discharge, or leakage of fluids or gases from the affected organs or tissues. Fistula can also increase the risk of infection, obstruction, or perforation of the involved organs or tissues.

Choice B reason: Hemorrhage is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is an excessive or uncontrolled bleeding from the wound site. Hemorrhage can occur as a result of trauma, surgery, infection, or coagulation disorder. Hemorrhage can cause pain, swelling, bruising, or shock at the wound site. Hemorrhage can also lead to blood loss, anemia, or hypovolemia.

Choice C reason: Infection is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the wound site. Infection can occur as a result of contamination, poor hygiene, or impaired immunity. Infection can cause pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the wound site. Infection can also trigger inflammation, fever, or systemic illness.

Choice D reason: Evisceration is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is a protrusion of internal organs or tissues through the wound site. Evisceration can occur as a result of dehiscence, which is a separation or splitting open of the wound edges. Evisceration can cause pain, bleeding, or shock at the wound site. Evisceration can also expose the internal organs or tissues to injury, infection, or necrosis.

Choice A reason: Calling the provider is not the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling the provider is a communication intervention, not a respiratory intervention. Calling the provider is an important action, but it should be done after raising the head of the bed, and with accurate and complete information.

Choice B reason: Placing the client in the lithotomy position is not the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Placing the client in the lithotomy position is a positioning intervention, not a respiratory intervention. Placing the client in the lithotomy position is a specific action that is used for pelvic examinations or procedures, not for improving oxygenation.

Choice C reason: Raising the head of the bed is the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Raising the head of the bed is a respiratory intervention, not a communication, positioning, or analgesic intervention. Raising the head of the bed is a simple and effective action that can improve the client's breathing, oxygenation, and comfort.

Choice D reason: Obtaining pain medication is not the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Obtaining pain medication is an analgesic intervention, not a respiratory intervention. Obtaining pain medication is an important action, but it should be done after raising the head of the bed, and with a medical order and a proper route.