What steps are included in preparing a sterile field? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Removing the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care since it has not occurred is not a good action, because it does not account for the possibility of future impairment. The client is still at risk for impaired skin integrity due to the prolonged bed rest, and the nurse should continue to monitor and prevent any skin breakdown.

Choice B reason: Keeping the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care the same since the risk factors are still present is the best action, because it reflects the current situation and the potential problem. The client has not developed impaired skin integrity, but the risk factors have not changed. The nurse should maintain the interventions that have been effective in preventing skin impairment, such as turning, repositioning, moisturizing, and inspecting the skin.

Choice C reason: Modifying the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care to impaired skin integrity is not a good action, because it does not match the data. The client has not shown any signs of impaired skin integrity, such as redness, blanching, breakdown, or ulceration. The nurse should not change the diagnosis based on assumptions or predictions, but on evidence.

Choice D reason: Changing the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care to impaired mobility is not a good action, because it does not address the original problem. The client may have impaired mobility due to the bed rest, but that is not the focus of the question. The question is about the risk for impaired skin integrity, which is a different issue that requires different interventions. The nurse should not ignore or replace the existing diagnosis without justification.

Choice A reason: Color is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Color can indicate the type and severity of the wound infection or inflammation. For example, yellow or green exudate may indicate a bacterial infection, while red or brown exudate may indicate bleeding or necrosis.

Choice B reason: Odor is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Odor can indicate the presence and type of microorganisms in the wound. For example, a foul or putrid odor may indicate anaerobic bacteria, while a sweet or fruity odor may indicate pseudomonas.

Choice C reason: Heat is not a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Heat is a sign of inflammation that can be assessed by palpating the skin around the wound, not by observing the exudate. Heat does not directly reflect the quality or quantity of the exudate.

Choice D reason: Consistency is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Consistency can indicate the viscosity and composition of the exudate. For example, thin or watery exudate may indicate a serous or serosanguineous fluid, while thick or creamy exudate may indicate a purulent or fibrinous fluid.

Choice E reason: Amount is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Amount can indicate the extent and stage of the wound healing process. For example, a large amount of exudate may indicate a high level of inflammation or infection, while a small amount of exudate may indicate a low level of inflammation or infection.