A nurse is caring for a patient with a stage 3 pressure ulcer. What nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize based on the information provided in the text?
"I'll administer antibiotics to prevent infection.".
"I'll assess the patient's pain level and provide appropriate pain management.".
"I'll educate the patient on the importance of mobility exercises.".
"I'll optimize the patient's nutrition and hydration.".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Administering antibiotics to prevent infection is not the primary nursing intervention for a stage 3 pressure ulcer.
While infection prevention is important, optimizing nutrition and hydration (Choice D) takes precedence in this case.
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for tissue healing and preventing further deterioration of the wound.
Infection prevention measures like antibiotics may be considered if there are signs of infection, but they are not the first-line intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing the patient's pain level and providing appropriate pain management (Choice B) is an important aspect of care for a patient with a stage 3 pressure ulcer, but it is not the highest priority.
Pain management should be addressed, but it should not take precedence over optimizing nutrition and hydration (Choice D), which is crucial for wound healing.
Choice C rationale:
Educating the patient on the importance of mobility exercises (Choice C) is an essential aspect of preventing pressure ulcers, but for a patient with an existing stage 3 pressure ulcer, the priority should be on wound management and nutrition.
While mobility exercises are beneficial, they should not be prioritized over optimizing nutrition and hydration (Choice D) to support the healing process.
Choice D rationale:
Optimizing the patient's nutrition and hydration (Choice D) is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a stage 3 pressure ulcer.
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for tissue repair and wound healing.
Inadequate nutrition can delay healing and increase the risk of complications, making this the highest priority intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Consulting with the healthcare team to address underlying medical conditions (Choice A) is the most appropriate nursing action for a client with a pressure ulcer and signs of infection.
Pressure ulcers can develop or worsen due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, or immunosuppression.
Addressing these underlying conditions is essential for effective wound management and preventing further complications.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging frequent position changes and mobility exercises (Choice B) is a valuable intervention to prevent pressure ulcers, but in a client with an existing pressure ulcer and signs of infection, addressing the infection and underlying medical conditions take precedence.
Choice C rationale:
Using specialized mattresses to offload pressure (Choice C) is an important part of pressure ulcer prevention and management, but it may not be the most immediate action needed for a client with signs of infection.
Addressing infection and underlying medical conditions (Choice A) should be the priority.
Choice D rationale:
Providing education on proper wound care and prevention strategies (Choice D) is an essential nursing action but may not be the most immediate priority for a client with an active infection.
Managing the infection and addressing underlying medical conditions (Choice A) should come first.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse is likely to observe warmth around the pressure ulcer site with intact skin.
This is a characteristic clinical manifestation of a stage 1 pressure ulcer.
In stage 1 pressure ulcers, there is non-blanchable erythema (redness) of the skin due to localized inflammation, and the area may feel warm to the touch.
However, the skin is still intact, and there are no open wounds or pus.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because the patient described in the question has intact skin, and there is no mention of an open wound with pus.
Pus is typically associated with wound infection, which is not a feature of stage 1 pressure ulcers.
Choice C rationale:
The patient reporting a sharp pain in the affected area is not consistent with the characteristics of a stage 1 pressure ulcer.
Stage 1 pressure ulcers are typically not associated with pain because they only involve the superficial layers of the skin, and the underlying tissues are not affected.
Choice D rationale:
Swelling around the wound is not a typical clinical manifestation of a stage 1 pressure ulcer.
In stage 1, the skin may appear red and feel warm to the touch due to inflammation, but there is no mention of swelling in the question.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.