A nurse is evaluating a patient who has a stage 1 pressure injury. What findings should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale

While a patient’s medication history can impact wound healing, in this case, there is no specific information provided about the patient’s medications that would suggest a delay in wound healing.

Choice B rationale

Although the patient’s cholesterol level is elevated, hyperlipidemia is not typically associated with delayed wound healing.

Choice C rationale

Prealbumin is a marker of nutritional status. A low prealbumin level, like in this patient, could indicate malnutrition, which can delay wound healing. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing as it provides the necessary building blocks for tissue repair.

Choice D rationale

The patient’s fasting glucose level is within the normal range, so it is unlikely to impact wound healing. While poorly controlled diabetes can delay wound healing, this patient’s diabetes appears to be well-controlled.

Choice A rationale

Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is not recommended because it can lead to the spread of infection. The dressing is contaminated with blood and purulent drainage, which are considered biohazardous waste.

Choice B rationale

Double-bagging the dressing in clear bags and labeling it “biohazard” is not sufficient. While it’s important to label biohazardous waste, the dressing should be disposed of in a designated biohazardous waste container.

Choice C rationale

Enclosing the dressing in a single clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is also not recommended. This method does not provide adequate containment for biohazardous waste.

Choice D rationale

Disposing of the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method. This ensures that the biohazardous waste is properly contained and reduces the risk of spreading infection.