A nurse is changing the dressing on a client's wound. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings is an indication of a wound infection?

Edema

Petechiae

Urticaria

Crusting over granulated tissue

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is: a. Edema.

Choice A: Edema

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. It is a common sign of inflammation and infection. When a wound becomes infected, the body’s immune response can cause increased fluid accumulation in the affected area, leading to noticeable swelling. This swelling is often accompanied by redness, warmth, and pain, which are classic signs of infection.

Choice B: Petechiae

Petechiae are small, red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin. They are not typically associated with wound infections but rather with conditions that cause bleeding or clotting disorders. Petechiae do not indicate an infection but rather a different underlying issue that may require further investigation.

Choice C: Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts. It is usually a result of an allergic reaction and is not a sign of wound infection. Urticaria is characterized by raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin and does not typically occur in response to an infected wound.

Choice D: Crusting over granulated tissue

Crusting over granulated tissue is a normal part of the wound healing process. Granulation tissue forms as the wound heals, and a crust or scab may develop over it to protect the new tissue underneath. This is not an indication of infection but rather a sign that the wound is progressing through the healing stages.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: The carotid pulse sites should not be checked bilaterally at the same time because palpating both carotid arteries simultaneously can restrict blood flow to the brain and may also stimulate the vagus nerve, potentially causing bradycardia or even syncope.

Choice B reason: The popliteal pulse, located at the back of the knee, can be checked bilaterally without the risk of restricting blood flow to vital organs or stimulating a vagal response.

Choice C reason: The femoral pulse, found in the groin area, can also be checked bilaterally as it does not pose the same risks as the carotid pulse when checked simultaneously.

Choice D reason: The brachial pulse, located on the inside of the arm just above the elbow, is another site that can be checked bilaterally without significant risk.

A. Put on sterile gloves B. Elevate the client's head C. Percuss all four quadrants D. Auscultate bowel sounds

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Putting on sterile gloves is not necessary before palpating the abdomen. Sterile gloves are typically used for procedures that require an aseptic technique, such as inserting a catheter or performing a surgical procedure. Palpation of the abdomen is a non-sterile procedure, and clean gloves are usually sufficient to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client's head is not a standard preparatory step before palpating the abdomen. While it may be necessary to adjust the client's position for comfort or to assess certain areas, the head elevation is not specifically related to the palpation process. The client should be in a supine position with knees slightly bent to relax the abdominal muscles, which facilitates palpation.

Choice C reason: Percussion of all four quadrants is part of the abdominal assessment but is not the step that precedes palpation. Percussion is used to assess the size and density of abdominal organs, detect the presence of fluid or gas, and evaluate tenderness. However, the correct sequence of abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation.

Choice D reason: Auscultating bowel sounds is the correct action before palpating the abdomen. This is because palpation can alter bowel motility, which may change the sounds heard. Auscultation should be performed after inspection and before percussion and palpation to obtain an accurate assessment of bowel activity. Normal bowel sounds range from 5 to 30 per minute and are characterized by clicks and gurgles.

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A nurse is changing the dressing on a client's wound. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings is an indication of a wound infection?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data about a client's circulatory system. Which of the following pulse sites should the nurse avoid checking bilaterally at the same time?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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