A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which finding will alert the nurse to a potential wound dehiscence?
Chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site
Report by patient that something has given way
Drainage that is odorous and purulent
Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening
The Correct Answer is B
A. Chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site:
While chronic drainage of fluid through the incision site can be a sign of wound complications, such as infection or poor wound healing, it is not as specific an indicator of impending wound dehiscence as the patient's report of "something giving way."
B. Report by patient that something has given way:
A patient reporting that something has given way is a significant indicator of potential wound dehiscence. Wound dehiscence refers to the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound, which can occur due to various factors such as poor wound healing, infection, or increased intra-abdominal pressure. Patients may describe a sensation of "something giving way" or "popping" if the wound starts to separate.
C. Drainage that is odorous and purulent:
Odorous and purulent drainage from an incision site may indicate an infection, which can contribute to wound dehiscence. However, this finding alone may not necessarily indicate immediate wound dehiscence.
D. Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening:
Protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening is a severe complication known as evisceration, which is the most advanced stage of wound dehiscence. While this finding is indicative of a significant wound complication, it typically occurs after the initial separation of wound layers. Therefore, it is not an early sign that would alert the nurse to potential wound dehiscence
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased blood pressure:
In hypovolemia, the body experiences a significant loss of blood volume, which leads to a reduction in the amount of blood available to circulate through the vessels. This causes a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, rather than an increase. The body tries to compensate for the lower blood volume by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate, but this typically isn't sufficient to increase blood pressure to normal levels.
B. Decreased heart rate:
The body's natural response to hypovolemia includes an increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia, as the heart attempts to pump the remaining blood more efficiently to vital organs. This compensatory mechanism aims to maintain cardiac output despite the decreased blood volume.
C. Dyspnea:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in many medical conditions, including heart failure and respiratory issues. While it can be seen in severe cases of hypovolemia, particularly if the condition leads to shock and subsequent multi-organ failure, it is not a primary or specific sign of hypovolemia.
D. Weak pulse:
A weak pulse is a primary and direct manifestation of hypovolemia. Due to the reduced volume of circulating blood, the heart has less blood to pump with each contraction, leading to a weaker pulse. This symptom indicates a decreased perfusion pressure, which is characteristic of hypovolemia. The body's compensatory mechanisms include vasoconstriction and an increased heart rate, but these measures often result in a pulse that is rapid but weak.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Pulling the client up from under the arms: This action can increase shearing force on the client's skin, especially if done abruptly or without proper assistance. Pulling the client up by the arms can create friction and shear between the skin and underlying tissues, potentially worsening the pressure injury.
B) Improving the client's hydration: While hydration is essential for overall skin health, it is not directly related to reducing shearing force on a pressure injury. Hydration can help maintain skin integrity and promote healing but does not directly address the mechanical forces contributing to pressure injuries.
C) Lubricating the area with skin cream: While skin cream can help moisturize and protect the skin, it may not necessarily reduce shearing force on a pressure injury. While lubrication can reduce friction between surfaces, it may not be sufficient to prevent shearing forces that occur during movement or repositioning.
D) Preventing the client from sliding in bed: This is the most appropriate action to decrease shearing force on a stage II pressure injury. Sliding in bed can exacerbate shearing forces on the skin, leading to further damage or delayed healing of the pressure injury. Using devices such as pillows, positioning aids, or specialized mattresses can help prevent the client from sliding and minimize shearing forces on the affected area, promoting healing and preventing further injury.
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