While bathing a patient who is on bedrest, the nurse notes an area of blistering and hypopigmentation on the patient's right heel. Upon further assessment, the area is also tender and cooler than the surrounding area. What is the next best action by the nurse?
Palpate for pedal pulses.
Turn the patient every three hours.
Document the stage 1 pressure injury.
Elevate bilateral heels.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Palpate for pedal pulses: Cool skin may indicate poor circulation or ischemia. Checking pedal pulses helps assess blood flow. This step provides essential information about the vascular status of the patient's foot, guiding further interventions.
B. Turn the patient every three hours: Patients on bedrest should be turned every 2 hours, not every 3 hours, to prevent pressure injuries.
C. Document the stage 1 pressure injury: Blistering indicates at least a Stage 2 pressure injury, not Stage 1. The nurse must assess further before staging.
D. Elevate bilateral heels: Once assessment confirms the need, elevating the heels can help reduce pressure and promote circulation, potentially preventing further damage and aiding in the healing process.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Determine the dose per administration:
- 1000 mg ÷ 250 mg/capsule = 4 capsules per dose
Calculate the total per day:
- Since the order is every 12 hours, the medication is given twice a day
- 4 capsules per dose × 2 doses per day = 8 capsules per day
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer an antibiotic. While antibiotics may be needed, they must be ordered by the provider. The nurse should notify the provider first to evaluate for infection.
B. Provide a warm water soak to the area. Warm soaks can worsen infection by promoting bacterial growth.
C. Provide education about pain management. While pain management education is important, the wound findings (purulent drainage, warmth, erythema) suggest possible infection, which requires medical intervention first.
D. Notify the provider about the findings. Signs of infection (erythema, warmth, purulent drainage) need to be reported immediately for further evaluation and treatment (e.g., wound culture, antibiotics).
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