A nurse is preparing to perform a wet-to-dry dressing change for a client who has an infected abdominal wound.
Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when performing this dressing change?
Remove the tape by pulling from the center of the dressing
Wear sterile gloves to remove the dressing
Clean the wound from the center to the outer edges
Moisten the dressing before removal
The Correct Answer is C
When removing the dressing and cleaning the wound, it is important to start from the center of the wound and work towards the outer edges. This technique helps prevent contamination of the wound by minimizing the risk of dragging bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin into the wound.
The other options listed are not recommended for this specific procedure:
When removing the tape, it is generally recommended to pull it parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling from the center of the dressing. This technique reduces the risk of causing trauma or disrupting the wound.
While it is important to maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes, wearing sterile gloves is not necessary for a wet-to-dry dressing change. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure, as the dressing material itself is not sterile.
In a wet-to-dry dressing change, the dressing is typically applied moist and allowed to dry over time. Therefore, moistening the dressing before removal is not necessary. The primary goal is to remove the dry dressing, which may adhere to the wound bed, and then clean the wound before applying a fresh dressing.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A.Wearing a face mask does not increase the risk of injury. In fact, it helps protect the client from infections, especially if they have concurrent neutropenia, which is common in conditions affecting the bone marrow.
B.Green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which plays a role in clotting. However, they do not directly increase the risk of injury in a client with thrombocytopenia. While vitamin K affects clotting factors, thrombocytopenia primarily involves a deficiency of platelets, which are necessary for clot formation.
C.Clients with thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, which increases their risk of bleeding. Using a firm-bristled toothbrush can cause gum trauma and bleeding, leading to complications such as prolonged bleeding or infection. A soft-bristled toothbrush or an alternative oral hygiene method (such as an oral swab) is recommended to minimize injury.
D.Adequate sleep does not increase the risk of injury. In fact, it may support overall health and immune function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, can be a side effect of enalapril and may lead to syncope. Instructing the client to rise slowly from a sitting to a standing position helps minimize the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure and decreases the chances of syncope occurring.
Decreasing fluid intake is not likely to be the cause of syncope related to enalapril. It is important for clients to maintain adequate hydration, especially if they are experiencing side effects such as orthostatic hypotension.
While a low pulse rate may indicate bradycardia, it is not the primary concern in this situation. Orthostatic hypotension leading to syncope is the main issue, and the client should be instructed to rise slowly to prevent it.
While enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can increase potassium levels in the blood, it is not directly related to syncope. Dietary changes should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider based on individual needs and blood test results.

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