A nurse is assisting with a surgical procedure that involves placing a drain in the wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper functioning of the drain?
Compress the drain reservoir before closing the wound.
Secure the drain tubing to the patient's skin with tape.
Empty the drain reservoir when it is half full and measure the output.
Flush the drain tubing with saline solution every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Compressing the drain reservoir before closing the wound creates a vacuum that helps to suction out the fluid from the wound and prevent infection. This is a common practice for bulb-type drains that apply gentle suction.
Choice B reason:
Securing the drain tubing to the patient's skin with tape is not necessary and may cause skin irritation or damage. The drain tubing can be attached to the patient's clothes with a safety pin or secured near the bandage.
Choice C reason:
Emptying the drain reservoir when it is half full and measuring the output is part of the drain care at home, not during the surgical procedure. The patient or caregiver should empty the drain 2 to 3 times a day (or more), depending on the amount of output, and record it in a chart.
Choice D reason:
Flushing the drain tubing with saline solution every 4 hours is not recommended and may introduce infection or clog the tubing. The tubing should be kept clear by squeezing or "milking”. it occasionally to prevent clots from forming. : Instructions for Surgical Drain Care - Cleveland Clinic : How to Care for Your Surgical Drain at Home - Verywell Health : Surgical Drain Care: Care Instructions | Kaiser Permanente.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Preparing the surgical instruments and equipment is one of the tasks that the CST performs, but it is not the only one. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical technologists also assist during and after surgical procedures by passing tools, holding retractors, cutting suture, applying dressings, and counting materials. Therefore, choice A is incomplete and not the best answer.
Choice B reason:
Providing emotional support and education to the patient is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the registered nurse (RN) or the anesthesia care provider before the surgery. The CST does not interact with the patient directly, but rather focuses on preparing and maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the anesthesia care provider or the perioperative nurse during the surgery. The CST does not monitor the patient's condition, but rather assists the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Applying sterile drapes and handing instruments to the surgeon are both tasks that the CST performs. According to WebMD, these are part of the intraoperative duties of the CST, along with keeping the operating room sterile, assisting in retracting tissues, and suctioning and sponging. Therefore, choice D is correct and covers two of the main tasks that the CST performs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing a grounding pad on the patient's skin near the surgical site is the correct action to prevent burns to the patient during electrocautery. The grounding pad provides a low-current-density pathway for the high-frequency cautery current to return to the electrosurgical unit, thus avoiding injury to other body areas.
Choice B reason:
Applying petroleum jelly to the patient's skin around the surgical site is not a correct action to prevent burns to the patient during electrocautery. Petroleum jelly is flammable and can ignite during electrocautery, causing fire and thermal injury to the patient.
Choice C reason:
Covering the patient's hair with a wet towel is not a correct action to prevent burns to the patient during electrocautery. A wet towel can create a conductive pathway for the cautery current to flow through, resulting in burns or shocks to the patient or the staff.
Choice D reason:
Removing any metal jewelry from the patient is a correct action to prevent burns to the patient during electrocautery, but it is not sufficient by itself. Metal jewelry can cause electrical arcing or heating, leading to skin burns or fire hazards. However, removing metal jewelry alone does not ensure a safe return pathway for the cautery current, which requires a grounding pad as well.
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