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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Certain medications can contribute to constipation as a side effect. Reviewing the client's medication list will help identify any potential medications that may be causing or exacerbating constipation.

Understanding the client's current approach to managing constipation, such as dietary changes, laxative use, or other remedies, will provide insight into their self-care practices and effectiveness of current interventions.

Diet plays a crucial role in bowel regularity. Assessing the client's dietary habits, including fiber intake and hydration, can help identify potential factors contributing to constipation.

Physical activity and exercise promote bowel regularity by stimulating intestinal motility. Evaluating the client's level of physical activity and exercise routine can provide information on their overall mobility and potential impact on bowel function.

The next scheduled visit with the healthcare provider may be important for the overall management of the client's health but may not be directly related to formulating a plan of care specifically for constipation.

A. Inspect skin for redness. B. Use a residual limb shrinker. C. Avoid range of motion exercises. D. Apply alcohol to the residual limb after bathing.

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

The correct answer is a. Inspect skin for redness and b. Use a residual limb shrinker.

Choice A rationale:

Inspecting the skin for redness is crucial to identify any signs of infection or pressure sores early. Redness can indicate irritation or the beginning of a pressure ulcer, which needs to be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

Choice B rationale:

Using a residual limb shrinker helps to reduce swelling and shape the residual limb for prosthetic fitting. It also helps in managing pain and promoting healing by providing consistent compression.

Choice C rationale:

Avoiding range of motion exercises is incorrect. Range of motion exercises are essential to maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures, which can hinder the use of a prosthetic limb.

Choice D rationale:

Applying alcohol to the residual limb after bathing is not recommended. Alcohol can dry out the skin and cause irritation, which can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Instead, the residual limb should be kept clean and moisturized with appropriate skin care products.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The home health nurse is assessing an older client who lives alone. The client reports being troubled by constipation. Which additional information should the nurse obtain to formulate a plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendation(s) should the nurse provide this client? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

A client who recently received a prescription for ramelteon to treat sleep deprivation reports experiencing severe side effects since taking the drug. Which side effect should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) genital herpes. The client reports having sex with multiple partners. Which response should the nurse provide

The school nurse is called to the soccer field because a child has a nose bleed (epistaxis). In which position should the nurse place the child?

A client with cancer is admitted to the oncology unit and tells the nurse that he is in the hospital for palliative care measures. The nurse notes that the client's admission prescriptions include radiation therapy. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse observes a client prepare a meal in the kitchen of a rehabilitation facility prior to discharge. Which behavior(s) indicate the client understands how to maintain balance safely? (Select all that apply.)

Which instruction regarding skin care should the nurse provide to a client who is receiving radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer?

Patient Data History and Physical Nurses' Notes Laboratory Results Flow Sheet Exhibits here Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory result, and flow sheet. What information should the nurse collect as part of the focused assessment for dehydration in this child? Select all that apply.