A registered nurse working in a PACU (post-anesthesia-care-unit) is responsible for conducting assessments on immediate post-operative clients.
What is the purpose of these assessments?

Choice A rationale:
Anxiety is a valid concern for any client undergoing surgery, but it is not the priority nursing diagnosis in this case. The client's risk for infection is more pressing due to the following factors:
Large surgical wound: Wounds provide a potential entry point for pathogens.
Obesity: Excess adipose tissue can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
Corticosteroid medications: These medications suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
Choice B rationale:
Self-care Deficit may be a concern if the client has difficulty caring for the surgical wound or maintaining hygiene due to obesity. However, it is not the priority diagnosis in this case. The focus should be on preventing infection, which would also help to address any self-care deficits.
Choice D rationale:
Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition is a relevant diagnosis for a client who has had colon surgery, as they may experience changes in appetite, digestion, or absorption of nutrients. However, it is not the priority diagnosis in this scenario. Preventing infection is crucial to ensure proper wound healing and overall recovery.
Choice C rationale:
Risk for Infection is the priority nursing diagnosis for this client due to the following risk factors: Large surgical wound: The wound provides a potential entry point for bacteria and other pathogens.
Obesity: Excess adipose tissue can impair wound healing by reducing blood flow to the area and increasing the risk of wound dehiscence (separation of wound edges). This can create a favorable environment for bacterial growth.
Corticosteroid medications: These medications suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
Nursing interventions to address Risk for Infection:
Assess the wound regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage. Implement strict aseptic technique when caring for the wound.
Teach the client about proper wound care and hygiene practices.
Monitor the client for signs of systemic infection, such as fever, chills, or malaise. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Encourage adequate nutrition and hydration to support wound healing.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to manage the client's risk factors for infection.

Choice A rationale:
Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and treatment of diseases or conditions to prevent complications or progression. It does not involve education about health promotion activities like exercise.
Examples of secondary prevention include:
Screening for cancer (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies)
Regular blood pressure checks
Immunizations
Taking medications to manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
Choice B rationale:
Restorative care aims to restore function and quality of life after an illness or injury. It does not encompass health education strategies like the nurse's action in this scenario.
Examples of restorative care include:
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Rehabilitation programs
Choice C rationale:

Tertiary prevention focuses on managing existing diseases or conditions to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. It's not applicable to this scenario as no disease or condition is being managed.
Examples of tertiary prevention include:
Cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack
Diabetes management education
Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic lung disease
Choice D rationale:
Primary prevention targets preventing diseases or conditions from occurring in the first place. It often involves education and lifestyle changes to promote health and wellness.
The nurse's action of educating adolescents about physical exercise aligns with primary prevention. Exercise has proven benefits in:
Reducing the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer Improving mental health and well-being
Promoting bone and muscle health
Enhancing sleep quality
Reducing stress levels
Therefore, the nurse's activity of educating adolescents about exercise represents primary prevention.