A nurse is preparing to change a wet-to-dry dressing for a client who has a chronic wound on the lower leg. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique?
Soaking the old dressing with sterile saline before removing it
Applying antibiotic ointment to the new dressing before placing it on the wound
Moistening the new dressing with sterile water before wringing it out and applying it to the wound
Covering the new dressing with an occlusive secondary dressing to prevent evaporation
The Correct Answer is C
Correct answer: C) Moistening the new dressing with sterile water before wringing it out and applying it to the wound
Rationale: Wet-to-dry dressings are used for mechanical debridement of necrotic tissue from chronic wounds. The new dressing should be moistened with sterile water (not saline, as saline can cause sodium crystals to form on the wound bed and impair healing), wrung out to remove excess moisture (to prevent maceration of surrounding skin), and loosely packed into the wound (to allow contact with necrotic tissue). The old dressing should be removed dry (not soaked, as soaking can rehydrate necrotic tissue and reduce debridement).
Incorrect options:
A) Soaking the old dressing with sterile saline before removing it - This can rehydrate necrotic tissue and reduce debridement.
B) Applying antibiotic ointment to the new dressing before placing it on the wound - This can interfere with debridement and increase the risk of infection and resistance.
D) Covering the new dressing with an occlusive secondary dressing to prevent evaporation - This can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth and infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Correct answer: D) 16,800 mL
Rationale: The Parkland formula is used to calculate the fluid resuscitation for burn clients. It states that the client should receive 4 mL of lactated Ringer's solution per kg of body weight per percentage of TBSA burned in the first 24 hours after the injury. Half of this amount should be given in the first 8 hours, and the remaining half should be given in the next 16 hours. Therefore, for this client, the calculation is as follows:
4 mL x 70 kg x 30% = 8,400 mL in the first 24 hours
8,400 mL / 2 = 4,200 mL in the first 8 hours
8,400 mL - 4,200 mL = 4,200 mL in the next 16 hours
Incorrect options:
A) 2,100 mL - This is half of the amount that should be given in the first 8 hours.
B) 4,200 mL - This is the amount that should be given in the first 8 hours or in the next 16 hours.
C) 8,400 mL - This is half of the amount that should be given in the first 24 hours.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct answer: C) Increased pain and tenderness
Rationale: Increased pain and tenderness of the wound site may indicate an infection, as the inflammatory response is triggered by the presence of microorganisms. The nurse should obtain a wound culture and notify the provider of the suspected infection.
Incorrect options:
A) Serous drainage - This is a normal finding for a healing wound, as serous fluid is clear and watery and contains plasma and white blood cells. It does not indicate an infection unless it is cloudy, foul-smelling, or purulent.
B) Reddened periwound skin - This is a normal finding for a healing wound, as the increased blood flow to the area promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound site. It does not indicate an infection unless the redness is spreading, warm, or accompanied by other signs of inflammation.
D) Granulation tissue formation - This is a normal finding for a healing wound, as granulation tissue is new connective tissue that fills the wound bed and supports epithelialization. It does not indicate an infection unless it is pale, friable, or necrotic.
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