A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help prevent an incisional infection?
Clean the incision with soap and water.
Perform hand hygiene prior to dressing changes.
Initiate protective isolation.
Allow the wound to air periodically.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Cleaning the incision with soap and water is not typically recommended as it can disrupt the healing process and may lead to irritation or infection. The incision should be kept clean and dry, and any cleaning should be done according to the surgeon's instructions.
Choice B reason: Performing hand hygiene before dressing changes is essential in preventing incisional infections. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections, including those at surgical sites.
Choice C reason: Protective isolation is used for immunocompromised patients to protect them from infections, not typically for postoperative patients unless they are at high risk for infection due to other conditions.
Choice D reason: Allowing the wound to air can be part of the healing process, but it must be done carefully and under the guidance of healthcare professionals to ensure that the wound is protected from contamination.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are necessary when dealing with infectious agents that are spread through large droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking. However, leukemia itself is not an infectious disease but a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Therefore, droplet precautions are not typically required for leukemia patients unless they have a concurrent infection that warrants such measures.
Choice B reason: A protective environment refers to room designs that minimize the risk of infection in immunocompromised patients, such as those with leukemia. This includes HEPA filtration, positive air pressure rooms, and rigorous infection control practices. Given that patients with leukemia have compromised immune systems, a protective environment is crucial to protect them from infections, which can be life-threatening due to their reduced ability to fight off diseases.
Choice C reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others. Diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox require airborne precautions. Leukemia does not require airborne precautions unless the patient has a coexisting airborne infection.
Choice D reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or the patient's environment. While leukemia patients may be more susceptible to infections due to their compromised immune systems, contact precautions are not specifically required for leukemia itself but may be necessary if the patient has a concurrent contact-transmissible infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Thoroughly cleansing the affected area helps remove potential pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises washing needlestick injuries with soap and water.
Choice B reason: Squeezing the puncture site is not recommended because it can cause further injury to the tissue and does not effectively reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Choice C reason: Flushing the puncture site with water is a good practice, but it should be done immediately, not just for 5 minutes. The initial washing is more critical.
Choice D reason: If indicated, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within hours of exposure, to maximize its effectiveness. Delaying PEP until the following day is not advisable.
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