Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with shallow respirations following abdominal surgery?

Choice A rationale:

Loosening the tape gently by pressing the skin away from it is an important step in changing a burn dressing. However, it is not the first intervention that should be performed. This is because removing the tape can be painful, and it is important to ensure that the patient is adequately pain-free before proceeding.

Choice B rationale:

Observing the wound bed for the presence of granulation tissue is also an important part of burn care. Granulation tissue is a sign of healing, and its presence indicates that the wound is progressing as expected. However, this assessment is not the first priority when changing a dressing. Pain management should always be addressed first.

Choice D rationale:

Gently irrigating the wound using sterile normal saline is another important step in burn care. Irrigation helps to cleanse the wound and remove any debris or dead tissue. However, it should not be performed until the patient's pain has been adequately controlled.

Choice C rationale:

Administering pain medication 30 minutes beforehand is the most important first intervention when changing a painful burn dressing. This allows time for the medication to take effect and ensure that the patient is comfortable before the dressing change begins. Pain management is crucial in burn care, as it can help to reduce anxiety, promote healing, and improve patient outcomes.

Step 1: Convert the prescribed dose to milligrams. 400 mcg = 0.4 mg (since 1 mg = 1000 mcg)

Step 2: Compare the prescribed dose to the pill strength. The prescribed dose is 0.4 mg.

The pill strength is 0.4 mg.

Step 3: Determine the number of pills needed.

Since the prescribed dose and pill strength are equal, only one pill is needed to administer the correct dose.

Rationale for Choice A:

Correct: One pill of 0.4 mg will provide the exact dose of 400 mcg that has been prescribed.

Direct match: The pill strength matches the prescribed dose, eliminating the need for any calculations or adjustments.

Therapeutic equivalence: Administering one pill ensures that the patient receives the intended amount of medication to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Adherence to prescription: Conforms to the healthcare provider's instructions, promoting accurate and safe medication administration.