While caring for a client after a small bowel resection, the nurse is informed that the client has a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To reduce the risk of recurrence of the MRSA in the postoperative wound, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Report any increase in the white blood cell count.
Instruct the family to adhere to contact precautions.
Change the surgical dressing readily when soiled.
Wear a face mask while performing wound care.
The Correct Answer is C
The clinical scenario involves postoperative management of a surgical site in a patient colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Successful intervention requires applying principles of wound hygiene, bacterial proliferation kinetics, and aseptic technique to mitigate localized moisture which fosters rapid staphylococcal replication and subsequent infection.
Choice A rationale: Elevated white blood cell counts, typically exceeding 11,000 mm3, indicate a systemic inflammatory response or active infection. While monitoring hematologic data is essential for detection, it is a reactive measure rather than a proactive intervention to prevent localized MRSA recurrence.
Choice B rationale: Contact precautions prevent the horizontal transmission of resistant pathogens between the patient and others. While vital for institutional infection control and public health safety, these measures do not directly address the localized physiological environment of the patient's own surgical incision.
Choice C rationale: Saturated dressings create a warm, moist environment that facilitates capillary action, pulling contaminants into the wound. Maintaining a dry, sterile environment inhibits the colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, as moisture promotes the rapid exponential growth of these resistant gram-positive cocci.
Choice D rationale: Face masks primarily provide protection against respiratory droplet transmission. While beneficial for preventing the introduction of oropharyngeal flora into a sterile field, they are less critical than moisture control for preventing MRSA recurrence, which is primarily spread through direct or indirect contact.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Correct- The duration of submersion is a critical factor in determining the potential level of hypoxemia. Prolonged submersion leads to a higher risk of severe hypoxia and its associated complications.
B) Incorrect- While water temperature can affect the body's response to submersion, it is not directly related to the level of hypoxemia. Hypoxemia primarily results from the lack of oxygen intake during submersion.
C) Correct- Witnessing the fall into the pool is important because immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve the chances of a positive outcome. Bystander CPR can help maintain oxygenation and circulation until professional help arrives.
D) Correct- The oxygen concentration in the surrounding air is crucial for oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. In cases of submersion, the availability of oxygen in the air the child is breathing plays a role in determining the level of hypoxemia.
E) Incorrect- The weight of the child is not a significant factor in determining the level of hypoxemia during submersion. The primary determinants are factors like submersion duration, availability of oxygen, and prompt initiation of CPR.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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