The nurse is assessing a client who had a surgical excision of a basal cell carcinoma one week ago. Assessment findings include redness, warmth, and serosanguinous drainage from the site. What would be the priority action by the nurse?
Request a prescription to culture the wound
Request a prescription for broad spectrum antibiotics
Assure the client this is normal in the healing process
Clean the wound with sterile normal saline
The Correct Answer is A
A. Requesting a prescription to culture the wound is the priority action because the presence of redness, warmth, and serosanguinous drainage could indicate an infection that needs to be confirmed and treated appropriately.
B. While antibiotics may be necessary if an infection is confirmed, it is crucial to first determine the presence of infection through culturing the wound.
C. Assuring the client that these findings are normal may delay necessary intervention if an infection is present, which could worsen the client's condition.
D. Cleaning the wound with sterile normal saline may be appropriate as part of wound care, but it does not address the underlying concern of possible infection and would not be prioritized over obtaining a culture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is not a direct risk factor for colorectal cancer; in some cases, it may reduce risk due to weight loss and dietary changes.
B. A high fiber, low fat diet is considered protective against colorectal cancer rather than a risk factor.
C. A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, significantly increases the risk for developing colorectal cancer due to chronic inflammation and cellular changes in the colon.
D. Having a distant relative with colorectal cancer may increase risk, but the personal history of inflammatory bowel disease is a stronger risk factor warranting emphasis in teaching.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Stomatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy for oral cancer, and while it requires management, it is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Stridor indicates potential airway obstruction, which is a critical and urgent condition that requires immediate intervention, making it the greatest concern among the options presented.
C. Nausea is a typical side effect of cancer treatment but is usually manageable and not considered an immediate threat.
D. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is another common side effect of radiation to the head and neck, but it is not as urgent as the risk of airway compromise indicated by stridor.
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