A postoperative patient experiences separation of the layers of his abdominal surgical wound during coughing. Separation of the layers of a surgical wound is known as

A. Palpable peripheral pulses. Palpable pulses are important for circulatory assessment but are not relevant in determining whether the patient can eat after surgery.

B. Clear lung sounds. Clear lung sounds are important for respiratory status, but they are not the primary factor in determining whether a patient can start clear liquids.

C. Adequate urinary drainage. Urinary drainage is important for monitoring kidney function postoperatively but is not a primary factor in whether a patient can eat clear liquids.

D. Bowel sounds in all quadrants. The presence of bowel sounds indicates that the gastrointestinal system is functioning well enough to begin processing liquids, making this an important assessment before offering fluids or food.

A. Alternately compress and release to help blood flow through vessels. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) work by alternating compression and release to promote venous return, prevent stasis, and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is the correct mechanism of action for these devices.

B. Measure pressure in the leg blood vessels and sound an alarm if pressure rises. SCDs do not measure pressure; they are designed to apply intermittent pressure to the legs to encourage circulation and prevent clot formation.

C. Provide gentle continuous compression at low pressure. SCDs apply intermittent pressure, not continuous pressure. Continuous compression would not be effective in preventing DVT as it does not allow for the periodic relaxation of veins.

D. Provide firm continuous compression at high pressure. SCDs should apply intermittent, not continuous, pressure. High pressure could potentially harm the patient’s circulation and tissues, which is why the compression is designed to be gentle and alternating.