The nurse is preparing a community outreach program on primary disease prevention.
Which topic should the nurse plan to include in this event?

Choice A rationale:

The client will have no signs of infection in the wound by day 7. Rationale: This outcome is appropriate because it sets a specific timeframe (day 7) for assessing the absence of infection in the wound. It provides a clear and measurable criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the wound care plan.

Choice B rationale:

The client will report a pain level of 4/10 or less during dressing changes. Rationale: Pain management is an essential aspect of wound care. Setting a target pain level (4/10 or less) during dressing changes allows for monitoring and adjustment of pain management strategies, making it an appropriate outcome.

Choice C rationale:

The client will consume at least 75% of meals and snacks daily. Rationale: While nutrition is important for wound healing, this outcome is less directly related to the wound itself. Monitoring meal consumption is a valuable goal for overall health but may not be as closely tied to wound improvement as infection control, pain management, or wound care technique.

Choice D rationale:

The client will reposition self in bed every 2 hours with assistance. Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours is an important preventive measure for pressure ulcer development. However, this choice may not be appropriate for this particular client if they are unable to reposition themselves, even with assistance. This outcome may not be achievable for all clients, and a more individualized goal may be necessary.

Choice E rationale:

The client will demonstrate proper wound care technique before discharge. Rationale: Ensuring that the client can perform proper wound care techniques independently or with minimal assistance is a crucial outcome. This ensures that the client can maintain wound hygiene and prevent complications after discharge.

Choice A rationale:

Ask the wife to stop and assess the client's swallowing reflex. Rationale: While assessing the client's swallowing reflex is important, the immediate priority is to provide hydration and comfort to the client, especially if the client is tearful and attempting to drink water. The nurse should assist the wife in providing small sips of water while being cautious and observing the client's ability to swallow safely.

Choice B rationale:

Give the wife a straw to help facilitate the client's drinking. Rationale: Giving the wife a straw may be helpful, but it does not address the client's immediate need for hydration and assistance with drinking. The nurse should actively assist in providing water to the client while assessing the client's ability to swallow safely.

Choice C rationale:

Assist the wife and carefully give the client small sips of water. Rationale: This is the correct answer. The nurse's immediate priority should be to assist the client with hydration. Providing small sips of water while being cautious and observing the client's ability to swallow safely is an appropriate action. This can help address the client's immediate needs for comfort and hydration.

Choice D rationale:

Obtain thickening powder before providing any more fluids. Rationale: While thickening powder may be necessary for clients with swallowing difficulties, it may cause unnecessary delay in providing hydration to the client in distress. The nurse should first provide water and assess the client's swallowing abilities. If thickened liquids are indicated, they can be administered later as per the healthcare provider's orders.