A nurse accidentally sticks her hand with a syringe needle after administering an IM injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is choice B. Necrotic subcutaneous tissue.

Choice A rationale:

Partial-thickness skin loss (Choice A) is characteristic of a stage II pressure ulcer, not a stage III ulcer. A stage II pressure ulcer involves the loss of the epidermis and possibly the dermis, resulting in a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.

Choice B rationale:

Necrotic subcutaneous tissue is a manifestation of a stage III pressure ulcer. A stage III ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss where subcutaneous fat may be visible, but exposed bone or muscle is not yet present. Necrotic tissue in the wound bed indicates a more advanced level of tissue damage and the need for appropriate wound care to promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

Blood-filled blisters (Choice C) are not specific to pressure ulcers and are more commonly associated with friction or shear forces. These blisters are not indicative of a stage III pressure ulcer, which involves visible full-thickness tissue loss.

Choice D rationale:

Exposed bone (Choice D) is a characteristic of a stage IV pressure ulcer, not a stage III ulcer. A stage IV ulcer involves extensive tissue loss with exposure of muscle, tendon, or bone. This represents a severe level of tissue damage and requires intensive wound care and management.

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning the wound by scrubbing the site with gauze is not an appropriate intervention for a stage 3 pressure ulcer. Scrubbing can damage the fragile tissue, increase the risk of infection, and delay wound healing. Gentle cleaning with a mild solution and avoiding trauma to the wound bed are recommended.

Choice B rationale:

Massaging reddened areas with dressing changes is contraindicated for pressure ulcers, especially stage 3 ulcers. Massaging can cause further damage to the tissues and disrupt the healing process. Dressing changes should focus on maintaining a clean and moist environment to promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct Choice) Repositioning the client at least every 2 hours is a crucial intervention to prevent further pressure ulcers and facilitate wound healing. Regular repositioning helps relieve pressure on specific areas and improves blood circulation, reducing the risk of tissue breakdown and the development of new ulcers.

Choice D rationale:

Applying a heat lamp twice a day is not recommended for stage 3 pressure ulcers. Heat can increase blood flow to the area, potentially exacerbating inflammation and delaying healing. Pressure ulcers require a clean and moist environment for optimal healing.