A nurse is preparing to administer amoxicillin 2 g/day PO divided into two doses. The amount available is amoxicillin 500 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer with each dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A reason: To provide a means for medication administration

A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is not used for medication administration. Its primary function is to remove fluids that accumulate in a surgical site, which helps to prevent infection and promote healing. Medication administration is typically done through other means such as intravenous (IV) lines or oral medications.

Choice B reason: To eliminate the need for wound dressings

The JP drain does not eliminate the need for wound dressings. Dressings are still required to protect the wound site, absorb any additional drainage, and prevent infection. The JP drain works in conjunction with dressings to manage wound care effectively.

Choice C reason: To limit the amount of bleeding from the surgical site

While the JP drain can help manage bleeding by removing accumulated blood, its primary purpose is not to limit bleeding. Instead, it is designed to prevent the buildup of fluids, including blood, which can lead to complications such as hematomas or infections.

Choice D reason: To prevent fluid from accumulating in the wound

The primary purpose of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is to prevent fluid from accumulating in the wound. This includes blood, lymphatic fluid, and other bodily fluids that can collect at the surgical site. By removing these fluids, the JP drain helps to reduce the risk of infection, promote healing, and decrease the likelihood of complications.

Choice A reason: Cover

Covering a wound with slough is not an appropriate intervention. Slough is a type of necrotic tissue that can impede the healing process by providing a medium for bacterial growth and preventing the formation of healthy granulation tissue. Simply covering the wound without addressing the slough can lead to infection and delayed healing.

Choice B reason: Clean

Cleaning the wound is a necessary step in wound care, but it is not sufficient on its own to address the presence of slough. While cleaning can help reduce the bacterial load and remove some debris, it does not effectively remove the slough itself. Slough often requires more targeted interventions such as debridement to be effectively managed.

Choice C reason: Debride

Debridement is the most appropriate intervention for a wound with slough. Debridement involves the removal of necrotic tissue, including slough, to promote a clean wound bed and facilitate the healing process. There are several methods of debridement, including autolytic, enzymatic, mechanical, and surgical, each with its own indications and benefits. Removing the slough allows for better assessment of the wound and promotes the formation of healthy granulation tissue.

Choice D reason: Leave Alone

Leaving a wound with slough alone is not advisable. Slough can harbor bacteria and impede the healing process, leading to chronic wounds and potential infection. Without intervention, the wound is unlikely to progress through the normal stages of healing.