A nurse is assessing a client who has an abdominal incision.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line.
Crusting of exudate on the incisional line.
Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line.
Pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line.
The Correct Answer is C
Partial separation of the upper part of the incisional line.
This is a sign of wound dehiscence, which is a serious complication that occurs when the edges of a surgical incision separate and the underlying tissues are exposed.
Wound dehiscence can lead to infection, bleeding, and evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the incision). The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution.
Choice A is wrong because mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing. It does not indicate infection or dehiscence unless accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage.
Choice B is wrong because crusting of exudate on the incisional line is also a normal finding that indicates the formation of a scab.
A scab protects the wound from infection and helps it heal faster. The nurse should not remove the scab unless instructed by the provider.
Choice D is wrong because pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line is another normal finding that shows healthy granulation tissue.
Granulation tissue is new tissue that fills in the wound and helps it close. It is usually pink or red and moist.
The nurse should follow these general tips for postoperative abdominal incision care:
- Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
- Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
- Look for any bleeding.
If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
- Try not to scratch any itchy wounds.
- You can shower starting 48 hours after your operation but no scrubbing or soaking of the abdominal wounds in a tub.
- After the initial dressing from the operating room is removed, you can leave the wound open to air unless there is drainage or you feel more comfortable with soft gauze covering the wound.
- Surgical glue (Indermil) will fall off over a period of up to 2-3 weeks. Do not put any topical ointments or lotions on the incisions.
- Do not rub over the incisions with a washcloth or towel.
- No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until evaluated at your clinic appointment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A client who is experiencing a panic attack has a very high level of anxiety and a diminished ability to focus. The nurse should stay with the client and remain calm and reassuring during the panic attack. This can help the client feel safe and supported, and reduce the intensity of the anxiety.
Choice A is wrong because atomoxetine is not an anti-anxiety medication, but a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has no effect on reducing anxiety and can cause side effects such as insomnia, nausea, and increased blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong because encouraging the client to watch television is not a therapeutic intervention for a panic attack.
Watching television can increase the stimuli in the client’s environment, which can worsen anxiety.
The nurse should maintain an environment with low stimulation for the client experiencing a panic attack. Dim lighting, few people, and minimal distractions can assist the nurse to decrease the client’s level of anxiety.
Choice C is wrong because teaching the client how to meditate is not appropriate during a panic attack.
Meditation is a relaxation technique that can be helpful for preventing or reducing anxiety, but it requires concentration and focus, which are impaired in a panic attack. The nurse should teach the client how to meditate when the client is calm and receptive, not when the client is in crisis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
According to the flashcards from Quizlet, a nurse should monitor a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis for contractions, as they are a sign of preterm labor and possible uterine rupture. An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. It can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, leakage of fluid, and injury to the fetus or placenta.
Choice A is wrong because it is not a common complication of amniocentesis.
Epigastric pain is more likely to be associated with preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Epigastric pain can indicate severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), which are life- threatening complications that require immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because it is not a direct result of amniocentesis.
Hypertension can occur in pregnancy due to various factors, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Hypertension can increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and maternal stroke.
Choice D is wrong because it is not a typical complication of amniocentesis.
Vomiting can occur in pregnancy due to various causes, such as morning sickness, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition if not treated properly.
Some normal ranges that are relevant for this question are:
- The normal gestational age for delivery is between 37 and 42 weeks.
A baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm and may have complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, infection, or low blood sugar.
- The normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
A fetal heart rate below 110 or above 160 can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.
- The normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) is between 8 and 18 cm.
An AFI below 5 cm is considered oligohydramnios and can indicate fetal growth restriction, kidney problems, or rupture of membranes.
An AFI above 24 cm is considered polyhydramnios and can indicate fetal anomalies, diabetes mellitus, or Rh incompatibility.
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