A nurse is caring for a client with a chronic wound and is discussing smoking cessation. The client does not understand how smoking may impact wound healing. Which of the following would be the best nurse response?
Smoking causes you to cough frequently and the wound might get infected by sputum.
Nicotine causes vasoconstriction so your wound might not get enough blood flow to heal.
Nicotine causes tar to build up in the wound and it will impair healing.
Smoking is bad and you should stop right away.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Smoking causes you to cough frequently, and the wound might get infected by sputum.
While smoking can indeed contribute to respiratory issues like coughing, linking this directly to wound infection by sputum is not the most accurate explanation of how smoking affects wound healing. The primary concern with smoking and wound healing lies in its effects on circulation and tissue oxygenation rather than the risk of infection due to coughing.
B. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, so your wound might not get enough blood flow to heal.
This is the best response among the options provided. Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, is known to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction). This constriction reduces blood flow to the wound site, leading to decreased delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper wound healing. It addresses the direct physiological impact of smoking on wound healing and provides a clear explanation for the client.
C. Nicotine causes tar to build up in the wound, and it will impair healing.
While nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke can have detrimental effects on healing, particularly through vasoconstriction, the explanation about tar building up in the wound is not entirely accurate. Tar is more associated with lung damage from smoking rather than direct buildup in external wounds. Therefore, this response is less specific and may confuse the client about the actual mechanism of how smoking affects wound healing.
D. Smoking is bad, and you should stop right away.
While this response emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation, it lacks specificity in explaining how smoking impacts wound healing. Providing specific information about vasoconstriction due to nicotine, as mentioned in option B, would be more helpful in helping the client understand the direct effects of smoking on their chronic wound and why cessation is crucial.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. High-protein diet with vitamins and mineral supplements:
This choice indicates a good understanding of preventing pressure ulcers. High-protein diets are beneficial for tissue repair and wound healing. Adequate protein intake supports collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin integrity and healing wounds. Additionally, vitamins and mineral supplements can contribute to overall nutritional status and support tissue health.
B. Low-fat diet with whole grains and cereals and vitamin supplements:
While a low-fat diet and whole grains are generally healthy choices, they may not specifically address the needs of a patient at risk for pressure ulcers. Fat is important for skin health, and whole grains can contribute to overall nutrition, but protein and specific vitamins and minerals are more directly related to tissue repair and wound healing.
C. Vegetarian diet with nutritional supplements and fish oil capsules:
A vegetarian diet can be healthy, but it requires careful planning to ensure adequate protein intake, especially for tissue repair and wound healing. Nutritional supplements may help fill nutrient gaps, but specific attention to protein sources is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers. Fish oil capsules can provide omega-3 fatty acids, which may have some benefits for skin health.
D. Low cholesterol, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet:
This diet choice focuses more on cardiovascular health and weight management rather than addressing the needs of a patient at risk for pressure ulcers. While a balanced diet with adequate fiber can support overall health, protein intake and specific vitamins and minerals are more critical for skin integrity and wound healing.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Electrical burns can have small amounts of skin damage, but more extensive damage beneath the skin.
This response is the best choice because it educates the client about the potential for deeper tissue damage associated with electrical burns. It acknowledges that while the burn on the skin may appear small, the damage underneath could be more extensive, affecting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
B. Electrical burns commonly cause reddened/purplish skin without blistering.
This statement is not the best response because it focuses solely on the appearance of the skin without addressing the potential for deeper tissue damage. While it is true that electrical burns can present with reddened or purplish skin without blistering, this response does not provide comprehensive information about the nature and severity of electrical burns.
C. Electrical burns typically are minor.
This response is incorrect because it downplays the seriousness of electrical burns. While some electrical burns may indeed be minor, others can cause significant tissue damage and complications. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the range of severity that electrical burns can present.
D. Electrical burns usually cause much more skin damage than what can be seen on your skin.
This statement is partially accurate but does not provide as much information as choice A. While it acknowledges that electrical burns can cause more damage than what is visible on the skin's surface, it doesn't emphasize the potential for deeper tissue damage as effectively as choice A does.
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