A nurse is providing education to a patient with cellulitis. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate for teaching proper wound care and hygiene?
"You should scrub the affected area vigorously with soap and water.".
"Avoid cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it may delay healing.".
"You should keep the wound uncovered to allow it to air out.".
"It's essential to apply antibiotic ointment to the wound multiple times a day.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
The statement advises the patient to scrub the affected area vigorously with soap and water.
This is not appropriate for wound care in cellulitis.
Scrubbing the area vigorously can cause further damage to the skin, increase the risk of infection, and delay healing.
The use of harsh mechanical methods like scrubbing should be avoided in wound care.
Choice B rationale:
This statement correctly advises the patient to avoid cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it may delay healing.
Hydrogen peroxide can be cytotoxic to healthy tissue and can slow down the healing process.
It's essential to use gentle, non-cytotoxic methods for wound cleaning.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the wound uncovered is not recommended for proper wound care in cellulitis.
Open wounds are more susceptible to contamination, and covering the wound helps protect it from environmental contaminants and reduces the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale:
Applying antibiotic ointment multiple times a day may not be necessary and could potentially lead to antibiotic resistance.
It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the frequency of antibiotic ointment application.
Overuse of antibiotics can have detrimental effects on both the individual and public health.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Avoiding handwashing is an effective preventive measure." This statement is incorrect.
Handwashing is a fundamental practice for preventing infections, including cellulitis.
Avoiding handwashing can increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin through cuts or wounds.
Choice B rationale:
"Keep your skin well-moisturized to prevent cellulitis." This statement is not accurate.
While maintaining skin hydration is essential for overall skin health, it is not a direct preventive measure for cellulitis.
Preventing cuts and wounds, as well as proper wound care, are more relevant preventive strategies.
Choice C rationale:
"Getting vaccinated against cellulitis is unnecessary." There is no vaccine available specifically for cellulitis.
This statement is accurate.
Cellulitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections, and vaccination against specific bacterial pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus or Staphylococcus) may indirectly reduce the risk of cellulitis by preventing related infections, but there is no direct vaccine for cellulitis.
Choice D rationale:
"Clean and properly care for any breaks in your skin to reduce the risk of cellulitis." This statement is accurate and emphasizes an essential preventive measure for cellulitis.
Keeping the skin clean, promptly treating any cuts or wounds, and practicing proper wound care can reduce the risk of cellulitis by preventing bacterial entry and infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"The patient's ability to ambulate independently." While ambulation is an important aspect of patient care, in the context of a skin infection, the priority should be assessing and managing the infection and associated symptoms.
The patient's ability to ambulate independently should be considered but may not be the highest priority.
Choice B rationale:
"The size, shape, and characteristics of any skin lesions or blisters." This is the correct answer.
When assessing a patient with a skin infection, it is essential to prioritize the evaluation of the affected area's skin lesions or blisters.
This assessment can help determine the severity of the infection, whether there are signs of abscess formation, and guide appropriate treatment.
Choice C rationale:
"The patient's response to pain management interventions." While pain management is important, it is a secondary consideration in the context of a skin infection.
Addressing the infection's source and associated complications, such as abscesses, should take precedence.
Choice D rationale:
"The patient's daily fluid intake." While monitoring fluid intake is generally important in patient care, it may not be the highest priority in assessing and managing a skin infection unless there are specific concerns related to hydration status.
The primary focus should be on the infection itself and its associated symptoms.
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