Which practice is recommended to prevent human immune deficiency virus (HIV) transmission?

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment because peripheral edema is not a lifethreatening complication of immobility. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower extremities due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, such as venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, or medication side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid status and provide elevation and compression therapy as needed.

Choice B reason: This is the priority assessment because lung sounds can indicate the presence of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, which are common and serious consequences of immobility. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange. Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The nurse should auscultate the client's lung sounds regularly and report any abnormal findings, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds. The nurse should also encourage the client to cough, deep breathe, and use incentive spirometry to prevent or treat respiratory problems.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment because bowel sounds can reflect the status of the gastrointestinal system, which is not directly affected by immobility. Bowel sounds are the noises produced by the movement of food and gas through the intestines. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the client's diet, activity, and medications. The nurse should auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess for any signs of constipation, diarrhea, or obstruction. The nurse should also promote the client's bowel function by providing adequate hydration, fiber, and laxatives as ordered.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority assessment because skin turgor can indicate the level of hydration, which is not a primary concern of immobility. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that allows it to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. It can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, dehydration, or edema. The nurse should assess the client's skin turgor and provide adequate fluids and electrolytes as needed. The nurse should also pay attention to the client's skin integrity and prevent or treat any pressure ulcers or wounds that may result from immobility.

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.