A Medical-Surgical nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has a stage 3 pressure ulcer. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A rationale:

Cyanosis - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This is an objective sign that can be visually assessed, not based on the patient's description.

Choice B rationale:

Petechiae - Petechiae are small, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. Like cyanosis, this is a physical finding that can be observed directly.

Choice C rationale:

Dizziness - This is the correct choice. Dizziness is a subjective sensation that the patient experiences. It cannot be directly observed and relies on the patient's description of feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or having a spinning sensation.

Choice D rationale:

Blood pressure - Blood pressure is an objective measurement that can be taken using a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope or automated device. It is not based on the patient's description and does not fall under subjective data.

The correct answer is choice A. Transparent dressing.

Choice A rationale:

Transparent dressings are appropriate for stage I pressure ulcers. These dressings provide a moist environment that promotes healing and protects the wound from external contaminants. They are also transparent, allowing the nurse to monitor the wound without removing the dressing. As stage I pressure ulcers involve intact skin with non-blanchable redness, these dressings aid in preventing friction and shear forces that could exacerbate the injury.

Choice B rationale:

Alginate dressings (Choice B) are not suitable for stage I pressure ulcers. Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and are generally used for wounds with moderate to heavy exudate, such as infected wounds or those with necrotic tissue. They may not be the best choice for a stage I pressure ulcer, which is characterized by superficial skin involvement without exudate or necrosis.

Choice C rationale:

Hydrogel dressings (Choice C) are beneficial for wounds with minimal to no exudate, but they are more appropriate for partial-thickness wounds, burns, or dry wounds. They provide a moist environment and promote autolytic debridement. However, in the case of a stage I pressure ulcer, where the skin is intact and there is no exudate, hydrogel dressings may not be the ideal choice.

Choice D rationale:

Wet-to-dry gauze dressings (Choice D) involve placing moist saline gauze onto a wound bed and allowing it to dry before removal. This method is used for mechanical debridement of wounds with necrotic tissue, and it's not suitable for a stage I pressure ulcer. In fact, using wet-to-dry dressings on a superficial wound could cause trauma and hinder healing.