A nurse is assessing a client who has a pressure ulcer on the sacrum. Which finding indicates a possible infection of the wound?
Serous drainage
Reddened periwound skin
Increased pain and tenderness
Granulation tissue formation
The Correct Answer is C
Correct answer: C) Increased pain and tenderness
Rationale: Increased pain and tenderness of the wound site may indicate an infection, as the inflammatory response is triggered by the presence of microorganisms. The nurse should obtain a wound culture and notify the provider of the suspected infection.
Incorrect options:
A) Serous drainage - This is a normal finding for a healing wound, as serous fluid is clear and watery and contains plasma and white blood cells. It does not indicate an infection unless it is cloudy, foul-smelling, or purulent.
B) Reddened periwound skin - This is a normal finding for a healing wound, as the increased blood flow to the area promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound site. It does not indicate an infection unless the redness is spreading, warm, or accompanied by other signs of inflammation.
D) Granulation tissue formation - This is a normal finding for a healing wound, as granulation tissue is new connective tissue that fills the wound bed and supports epithelialization. It does not indicate an infection unless it is pale, friable, or necrotic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct answer: B) Obtain a wound culture and sensitivity
Rationale: The nurse should first obtain a wound culture and sensitivity to identify the causative organism and the appropriate antibiotic therapy for the client's wound infection. The nurse should use sterile technique and collect the specimen from the wound bed after cleansing the wound with normal saline.
Incorrect options:
A) Apply compression bandages to the affected leg - Compression therapy is indicated for clients with venous leg ulcers to improve venous return and reduce edema, but it is not the first priority in this case. The nurse should first address the infection before applying compression bandages.
C) Administer prescribed analgesics and antipyretics - Administering analgesics and antipyretics may help to relieve the client's pain and fever, but it does not treat the underlying cause of the infection. The nurse should first obtain a wound culture and sensitivity before administering medications.
D) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart - Elevating the affected leg may help to reduce edema and improve blood flow, but it does not address the infection. The nurse should first obtain a wound culture and sensitivity before elevating the leg.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct answer: B) Instruct the client to splint the incision when coughing
Rationale: Splinting the incision when coughing or sneezing helps to reduce tension and stress on the wound edges and prevent wound dehiscence, which is the partial or total separation of the wound layers. The nurse should also instruct the client to avoid lifting heavy objects or straining during bowel movements.
Incorrect options:
A) Apply steri-strips along the incision line - Steri-strips are thin adhesive strips that are used to approximate wound edges and enhance healing by primary intention. They are not used to prevent wound dehiscence, as they do not provide enough support for the wound closure.
C) Change the dressing every 8 hours using sterile technique - Changing the dressing frequently using sterile technique helps to prevent wound infection but not wound dehiscence. The frequency of dressing changes depends on the type and amount of drainage, the condition of the wound, and the type of dressing used.
D) Irrigate the wound with normal saline twice daily - Irrigating the wound with normal saline helps to cleanse the wound and remove debris but not prevent wound dehiscence. Irrigation should be done gently and carefully to avoid disrupting granulation tissue or causing trauma to the wound.
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