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","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Correct- Weighing the client and reporting any weight gain is a routine measurement that can be safely performed by the UAP. Weight gain can be an important indicator of fluid retention, a common issue in Cushing's syndrome.
B) Correct- Reporting any client complaints of pain or discomfort is important for monitoring the client's well-being and promptly addressing any potential issues.
C) Incorrect- Evaluating the client for sleep disturbances involves assessing the client's sleep patterns, quality, and potential disruptions. This requires nursing judgment and a deeper understanding of the client's condition and potential contributing factors, so it's not appropriate to delegate this task to the UAP.
D) Correct- Noting and reporting the client's food and liquid intake during meals and snacks is part of monitoring the client's nutritional status, which is an appropriate task for the UAP.
E) Incorrect- Assessing the client for weakness and fatigue involves a more comprehensive evaluation of the client's physical and physiological status, which requires nursing expertise. The nurse should directly assess and interpret these symptoms in the context of Cushing's syndrome to provide appropriate interventions.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Her fasting 1-hour glucose screening level, which was done 1 week prior, is 164 mg/dl. (9.1 mmol/L) Her 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test results reveal a fasting blood sugar of 168 (9.3 mmol/L) and a two-hour postprandial of 220 mg/dL (12.2 mmol/L).
The client has gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is a condition that affects some pregnant women and causes high blood sugar levels. This is bad during pregnancy because it can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia, and congenital anomalies. The client needs to follow a diet and exercise plan to control her blood sugar levels and prevent further complications. She may also need to take insulin injections or oral medications if diet and exercise are not enough. The client should monitor her blood sugar levels regularly and report any abnormal results to her health care provider. The client should also have regular prenatal visits and ultrasounds to check the growth and development of the baby.
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