The nurse is taking care of a postsurgical patient and notes the incision is clean and dry, with sutures intact.
The nurse further assesses that the wound is healing by:

Choice A rationale:

Using small ice cubes is not necessary when applying an ice pack. The size of the ice does not affect the therapeutic effect of the cold therapy.

Choice B rationale:

It is not necessary to fill the pack and refreeze it. The ice pack should be used as is and can be refrozen after use if needed.

Choice C rationale:

Using a light cover on the pack is necessary to prevent direct contact of the ice with the skin, which can cause cold injury or frostbite.

Choice D rationale:

Covering the pack with plastic wrap is not necessary. The ice pack usually comes in a waterproof bag that prevents water leakage.

Choice A rationale:

Strengthening the wall of the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Drawing the wound edges together by negative pressure is the correct answer. Vacuum-assisted closure, also known as negative pressure wound therapy, works by applying negative pressure to the wound, which helps to draw the edges of the wound together and promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

Making an air occlusive cover for the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Interrupting the proliferation of bacteria in the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.