A nurse is admitting a client from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to the postoperative surgical care unit. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

Choice A rationale

Documenting the wound measurements with tunneling is important for tracking the wound's progression and planning appropriate interventions. Accurate documentation helps in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Choice B rationale

Cleansing the wound and discontinuing the VAC system is necessary when foul, purulent drainage is observed. This action helps to prevent further infection and allows the healthcare provider to reassess the wound care approach.

Choice D rationale

Consulting the wound care specialist to evaluate the wound is essential for expert advice on managing complex wounds. Specialists can provide tailored recommendations to promote wound healing and prevent complications.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the wound VAC suction to eliminate the drainage is not appropriate as it may worsen the infection or damage the surrounding tissues. Proper wound care protocols should be followed to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Choice E rationale

Reapplying the VAC system after irrigating away drainage is not advisable if there is evidence of infection. The wound should be thoroughly assessed, and appropriate measures should be taken to address the underlying infection.

Complete the sentence: The nurse teaches the client about the fetus's reaction to labor by explaining that early decelerations indicate head compression and assessing fetal heart rate patterns before, during, and after contractions.

Rationale for correct answer: Explaining that early decelerations indicate head compression is correct because early decelerations are typically associated with head compression during contractions. This is a common finding during labor and usually not a sign of fetal distress. It indicates that the fetus is descending through the birth canal, causing temporary compression of the fetal head, which leads to a brief decrease in heart rate.

Assessing fetal heart rate patterns before, during, and after contractions is correct because it provides a comprehensive understanding of how the fetus responds to labor. Monitoring the fetal heart rate throughout the contraction cycle helps identify patterns of variability, decelerations, and accelerations, ensuring that the fetus is tolerating labor well.

Rationale for incorrect answers: Choice A rationale: Identifying early decelerations as a sign of fetal distress is incorrect because early decelerations are generally benign and related to head compression. They are not typically a sign of fetal distress. Late or variable decelerations are more concerning and may indicate fetal distress.

Choice C rationale: Stating that early decelerations require immediate intervention is incorrect because early decelerations do not usually require immediate intervention. They are a normal finding during labor caused by head compression. Interventions are necessary for late or variable decelerations, which indicate possible fetal compromise.

Choice D rationale: Noting that early decelerations suggest umbilical cord compression is incorrect because early decelerations are not typically associated with umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations are more likely to indicate cord compression, requiring closer monitoring and possible intervention.