A nurse practitioner prescribes a therapeutic bath for a client with an exacerbation of psoriasis. The nurse tells the client to make sure the bath area is well ventilated.

Which of the following is the therapeutic bath solution prescribed by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

Keeping the dressing very wet at all times is not advisable with autolytic debriding agents. Excess moisture can cause maceration of the surrounding skin and increase the risk of infection. The dressing should maintain an optimal level of moisture to promote autolysis without causing harm.

Choice B rationale

Not using a dressing for 6 hours/day is incorrect advice. Continuous application of the dressing is essential for the autolytic process. Removing the dressing for extended periods disrupts the environment needed for autolysis, delaying wound healing.

Choice C rationale

Cleansing the wound with Dakin's solution is not recommended with autolytic debridement. Dakin's solution is a chemical debriding agent, and its use can interfere with the natural autolytic process. It is better to use saline or appropriate cleansers as directed.

Choice D rationale

The wound may have a foul odor due to the autolytic debridement process. As dead tissue is broken down, it can produce a distinct odor. Educating the client about this expected outcome helps them understand that it is a normal part of the healing process and not necessarily a sign of infection.

Choice A rationale

Dysfunction in the cerebrum would likely result in different types of posturing, such as decorticate posturing, rather than decerebrate. The cerebrum is involved in controlling voluntary motor functions and damage here typically does not lead to decerebrate posturing.

Choice B rationale

Dysfunction in the brain stem results in decerebrate posturing, characterized by rigid extension of the arms and legs, downward pointing of the toes, and backward arching of the head. The brain stem is crucial for controlling basic life functions and its impairment leads to severe motor response issues.

Choice C rationale

Dysfunction in the spinal column typically does not lead to decerebrate posturing but may lead to different types of paralysis or movement issues depending on the location and severity of the damage.

Choice D rationale

Dysfunction in the motor cortex usually leads to abnormalities in voluntary movement, muscle tone, and coordination rather than decerebrate posturing which is more linked to brain stem issues.