A nurse is concerned about an HIV immunocompromised patient’s ability to heal due to a lack of certain factors. Which of the following are necessary for proper wound healing? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale
When administering a hot soak treatment, it is crucial to soak only the affected area to provide targeted heat therapy. This localized approach helps to increase blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing in the specific area that requires treatment. Soaking only the affected area also minimizes the risk of overheating and potential burns to other parts of the body.

Choice B rationale
While positioning the patient comfortably is important for any treatment, it is not the most critical aspect of a hot soak treatment. Comfort should always be considered, but the primary goal of the hot soak is to apply heat to the affected area to aid in healing. Therefore, ensuring that only the affected area is soaked takes precedence over general patient comfort in this context.

Choice C rationale
Monitoring the temperature of the water is the most important aspect of a hot soak treatment. The water must be warm enough to be therapeutic but not so hot as to cause burns or discomfort. This ensures the treatment is both safe and effective1.

Choice D rationale
Checking the patient’s skin integrity is important, especially if the patient has a condition that affects skin sensitivity, such as diabetes. However, the immediate concern during a hot soak treatment is to monitor the temperature to prevent injury.

Choice A rationale
Dry gauze is absorbent, but it is not the best option for promoting hemostasis in a heavily draining wound. It may adhere to the wound bed, causing pain and potential damage when removed.

Choice B rationale
Transparent dressings allow for easy monitoring of the wound but do not provide the necessary absorption for heavy drainage. They are also not specifically designed to promote hemostasis.

Choice C rationale
Alginate dressings are made from seaweed derivatives and are highly absorbent, which makes them suitable for wounds with heavy drainage. They also help to promote hemostasis by assisting with blood clot formation, making them an appropriate choice for this scenario.

Choice D rationale
Hydrogel dressings provide moisture to the wound and promote autolytic debridement but are not the best choice for heavy drainage. They do not have the absorptive capacity needed for a wound that is actively bleeding.