A nurse is attempting to use non-pharmacological treatment for pain control. Which treatment could the nurse delegate to the UAP?

This is essential because drainage from a large abdominal wound may collect under the client and be missed if only the dressing is inspected. The amount, color, and consistency of drainage should be documented and reported to the health care provider.

Choice A is wrong because feeling the top of the client’s legs will not help assess for drainage in a large abdominal wound.

Choice C is wrong because asking the client to cough forcefully may increase the risk of dehiscence (separation of wound edges) or evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the wound) in a large abdominal wound.

Choice D is wrong because having the client sit up and lean forward may also increase the risk of dehiscence or evisceration in a large abdominal wound.

Normal ranges for wound drainage depend on the type, location, and size of the wound, as well as the stage of healing. Generally, drainage should decrease over time and change from bloody to serous.

The nurse should prioritize the physical safety and stability of the patient who has been raped and stabbed.

Assessing vital signs is the first step in determining the patient’s condition and identifying any life-threatening injuries that need immediate intervention.

Choice A is wrong because calling the Sexual Nurse Examiner is not the first action to take.

The Sexual Nurse Examiner is a specially trained nurse who can perform a forensic examination and collect evidence from the patient, but this should be done after ensuring the patient’s physical safety and obtaining consent.

Choice C is wrong because calling her parents to ask for permission to treat her is not necessary or appropriate.

The patient is an adult who can consent to her own treatment unless she is incapacitated or mentally incompetent.

Calling her parents without her permission may violate her privacy and autonomy.

Choice D is wrong because contacting Security in case the perpetrator arrives is not the most urgent action to take.

The nurse should focus on the patient’s needs and not assume that the perpetrator will follow her to the hospital.

Security measures can be taken later if needed.