A nurse is assisting with a surgical procedure that involves applying a dressing to the wound. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the patient after the procedure?

Choice A reason:

This is incorrect because changing the dressing every day and keeping it dry may not be appropriate for all types of wounds. Some wounds may require more frequent dressing changes or moist wound healing environment to promote healing and prevent infection.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because showering with the dressing on may cause the dressing to become wet and contaminated, which can increase the risk of infection and delay healing. The dressing should be changed before and after showering, and the wound should be protected from water as much as possible.

Choice C reason:

This is correct because inspecting the dressing for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage, is an important part of wound care. The patient should be taught how to recognize and report these signs to the health care provider as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of infection can prevent complications and promote healing.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because removing the dressing after 24 hours and leaving the wound open to air may not be advisable for some wounds, especially those that are deep, large, or at risk of infection. The wound may need to be covered with an appropriate dressing for a longer period of time to protect it from contamination, maintain moisture balance, and support healing.

Choice A reason:

This is incorrect because a curved needle with a cutting edge is used for general closure of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and other tissues that are tough or difficult to penetrate A cutting edge needle has a triangular point that can cause more tissue damage and scarring than a tapered point needle.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because a straight needle with a tapered point is used for easily accessible tissues, such as mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, or blood vessels A tapered point needle has a round body that gradually tapers to a point, allowing it to pierce through tissues without cutting them.

Choice C reason:

This is correct because a half-circle needle with a reverse cutting edge is used for suturing at sites that have limited space and require precise placement of stitches, such as ophthalmic, plastic, or cardiovascular surgery A reverse cutting edge needle has a triangular point with the cutting edge on the outer convex curvature of the needle, which helps prevent the suture from tearing through the tissue.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because an eyed needle with a blunt point is used for suturing tissues that are easy to separate, such as liver, kidney, or spleen A blunt point needle has a round body that ends in a blunt tip, which pushes aside the tissue fibers rather than cutting them An eyed needle has an eye at the end of the needle where the suture thread is inserted, which can cause more drag and tissue trauma than a swaged needle that has the suture attached to the end of the needle.