A postoperative client refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. What is the nurse’s priority action?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice C rationale: Assessing the patient for orthostatic hypotension is crucial because patients who can only bear weight on one leg may have compromised balance and stability. Orthostatic hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, could lead to dizziness or fainting, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Identifying this condition before transferring the patient ensures appropriate interventions can be taken to maintain safety and prevent accidents. The nurse can then apply necessary precautions such as additional support or slow, gradual position changes to minimize the risk.

Choice A rationale: Rocking the patient up to a standing position might help initiate the transfer, but it’s not the immediate priority after securing a safe environment. Ensuring the patient's stability and monitoring their vital signs, especially for orthostatic hypotension, is essential before attempting any movement.

Choice B rationale: Pivoting on the foot that is the farthest from the chair is part of the transfer technique, but it should only be performed after confirming the patient is stable and not at risk of orthostatic hypotension. Proper assessment precedes this step to prevent potential falls.

Choice D rationale: Applying a gait belt to the patient is important for safe transfer, but again, this step follows the assessment of the patient's condition. The gait belt is an aid for the transfer process, but its effectiveness relies on the patient's ability to stand without becoming dizzy or faint.

Choice A rationale

The client was admitted three days ago. This statement is factual, but it does not directly address the current condition of the client’s pressure injury. The time of admission is not as relevant as the progression and treatment of the wound. Therefore, while this choice is accurate, it is not the most critical piece of information in this context.

Choice B rationale

The pressure injury was at stage 4. This is the correct answer. Stage 4 pressure ulcers involve full-thickness skin loss potentially extending into the subcutaneous tissue layer. Stage 4 pressure ulcers extend even deeper, exposing underlying muscle, tendon, cartilage or bone.

The presence of slough, eschar, and tunnels, as well as the size of the wound, are consistent with a stage 4 pressure ulcer. The treatment provided, including debridement and negative

pressure wound therapy, is also typical for this stage of pressure injury. Therefore, this choice accurately describes the client’s condition.

Choice C rationale

The client reported pain as a 2 on a scale from 0 to 10. While it’s important to monitor the client’s pain levels, this information alone does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the client’s condition. Pain can be subjective and varies from person to person. A score of 2 indicates minor pain, which is manageable and does not significantly interfere with the client’s daily activities. However, this does not negate the severity of a stage 4 pressure injury.

Choice D rationale

The dressing was reapplied and sealed. This statement describes one aspect of the wound care process. Negative pressure wound therapy involves the application of a vacuum through a special sealed dressing. The dressing is crucial in creating a moist healing environment, reducing edema, and promoting wound healing. However, the reapplication and sealing of the dressing alone do not provide a complete picture of the client’s condition or the severity of the pressure injury.