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

Choice A reason: Send the client back to surgery is not the nurse's next action, because it is premature and inappropriate. Sending the client back to surgery requires a medical order and a clear indication of the need for surgical intervention. The nurse cannot make this decision without first assessing the wound and contacting the provider.

Choice B reason: Call the provider immediately is not the nurse's next action, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Calling the provider immediately is an important action, but it should be done after assessing the wound and gathering the necessary data. The nurse should be able to report the findings of the wound assessment, such as the size, shape, color, amount, and type of drainage, as well as the vital signs, pain level, and mental status of the client.

Choice C reason: Assess the wound for signs of dehiscence is the nurse's next action, because it is the most urgent and relevant. Assessing the wound for signs of dehiscence is a priority action, because it can identify the cause and severity of the problem. Dehiscence is a complication that occurs when the surgical incision splits open or separates, which can cause increased drainage, pain, and infection. Dehiscence can be caused by factors such as infection, poor wound healing, excessive strain, or trauma. Dehiscence can be detected by inspecting the wound for gaps, edges, or protrusions.

Choice D reason: Prepare to culture the wound is not the nurse's next action, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Preparing to culture the wound is a possible action, but it should be done after assessing the wound and contacting the provider. Culturing the wound is a procedure that involves collecting a sample of the wound drainage and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Culturing the wound requires a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment, but it is an important assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Pain is the unpleasant sensation that results from tissue damage or inflammation. Pain can affect the client's physical and psychological wellbeing and interfere with their recovery. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, location, quality, and duration using a valid and reliable pain scale. The nurse should also provide pain relief measures, such as medication, ice, elevation, or distraction, as ordered and as needed.

Choice B reason: This is not the priority assessment, but it is a relevant assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Medication history is the record of the drugs that the client is currently taking or has taken in the past, including prescription, overthecounter, herbal, or recreational drugs. Medication history can help the nurse identify any potential drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications that may affect the client's treatment and recovery. The nurse should ask the client about their medication history and document it accurately and completely.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment, but it is a helpful assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Socioeconomic status is the measure of the client's income, education, occupation, and social class. Socioeconomic status can influence the client's access to health care, ability to afford treatment, compliance with therapy, and support system. The nurse should assess the client's socioeconomic status and provide appropriate referrals, resources, or assistance as needed.

Choice D reason: This is the priority assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Pedal pulses are the pulses that can be felt in the feet, such as the dorsalis pedis or the posterior tibial pulse. Pedal pulses can indicate the blood flow and perfusion to the lower extremities, which can be compromised by a femur fracture. A femur fracture can cause bleeding, swelling, or pressure that can reduce or obstruct the blood supply to the feet, leading to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrene. The nurse should assess the client's pedal pulses regularly and report any changes, such as absent, weak, or thready pulses. The nurse should also monitor the client's skin color, temperature, sensation, and movement in the feet.