A nurse is assessing a client who had an appendectomy 24 hours ago. The nurse observes redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage at the incision site. The nurse suspects that the client has developed:
A wound infection.
A wound dehiscence.
A wound evisceration.
A wound hematoma.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
A wound infection is the most likely diagnosis for a client who has redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage at the incision site 24 hours after an appendectomy. These are signs of inflammation and infection that indicate the wound is not healing properly. A wound infection can delay wound healing, increase pain, and cause fever and systemic symptoms. A wound infection requires treatment with antibiotics and wound care.
Choice B reason:
A wound dehiscence is a partial or complete separation of the edges of a surgical incision. It usually occurs later than 24 hours after surgery, when the wound is still fragile and weak. A wound dehiscence can be caused by stress on the wound, such as coughing, vomiting, or straining, or by poor wound closure, infection, or malnutrition. A wound dehiscence may present with increased drainage, a visible gap in the incision, or a popping sensation. A wound dehiscence requires immediate medical attention and may need surgical repair.
Choice C reason:
A wound evisceration is a rare but serious complication of a wound dehiscence, where the abdominal organs protrude through the open incision. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent organ damage, infection, and shock. A wound evisceration may present with sudden pain, a gush of blood or serous fluid, and visible organs through the wound. The client should lie down with knees bent and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with warm saline until help arrives.
Choice D reason:
A wound hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin or in the deeper tissues that results from bleeding at the surgical site. It usually occurs within the first few hours after surgery and may cause swelling, pain, bruising, and pressure on nearby structures. A wound hematoma can increase the risk of infection and impair wound healing. A small hematoma may resolve on its own, while a large hematoma may need drainage or surgery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The client reports numbness in his right leg. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because numbness is an expected effect of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia blocks the nerve impulses from the lower extremities, lower abdomen, pelvic, and perineal regions, resulting in loss of sensation and movement.
Choice B reason:
The client has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because mild hypotension is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia causes vasodilation and decreases the sympathetic tone, leading to reduced blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status, and administer vasopressors if needed.
Choice C reason:
The client complains of a headache when sitting up. This is a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because it may indicate a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) PDPH is a complication of spinal anesthesia that occurs when the dura mater is punctured by the needle, causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak and create a pressure gradient between the intracranial and spinal compartments. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, position the client flat or with a slight head elevation, administer analgesics and fluids, and notify the anesthesiologist.
Choice D reason:
The client has difficulty voiding after surgery. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because urinary retention is a common problem after spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia affects the bladder function by inhibiting the micturition reflex and impairing the sensation of bladder fullness. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, bladder distension, and fluid intake, and assist with catheterization if needed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Double gloving is a recommended precaution for health care workers who are exposed to blood or body fluids of clients who have a positive HIV test result. Double gloving can reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and transmission of HIV or other bloodborne pathogens.
Choice B reason:
Placing instruments in closed containers at completion of surgery is not a specific precaution for clients who have a positive HIV test result. It is a standard practice for all surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection. Placing instruments in closed containers does not protect the health care workers from exposure to blood or body fluids during surgery.
Choice C reason:
Wearing shoe covers in addition to personal protective equipment is not a specific precaution for clients who have a positive HIV test result. It is a standard practice for all surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection. Wearing shoe covers does not protect the health care workers from exposure to blood or body fluids during surgery.
Choice D reason:
Using instruments only from specially marked trays is not a specific precaution for clients who have a positive HIV test result. It is a standard practice for all surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection. Using instruments only from specially marked trays does not protect the health care workers from exposure to blood or body fluids during surgery.
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