A surgical incision that is healing by secondary intention develops a thick tan exudate. Which action should the nurse take first?

Apply a debriding agent.

Apply steri-strips.

Obtain a wound culture.

Remove every other suture.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Debriding agents are used to remove necrotic or non-viable tissue from a wound. While debridement can be necessary if there is evidence of necrotic tissue or eschar, the presence of thick tan exudate alone does not necessarily indicate that debridement is needed.
B.   Steri-strips are used to support wound closure and can be applied to wounds with approximated edges. However, in the case of a wound healing by secondary intention (where the edges are not brought together but heal from the inside out), steri-strips are not typically used. This action is not relevant if the wound is healing by secondary intention and if there is a thick exudate present.
C.   Obtaining a wound culture is important if there is a suspicion of infection, especially if there is a change in the character of the exudate, increased redness, swelling, or other signs of infection. A thick tan exudate might be indicative of an infection or could be a normal part of the healing process
D.   Removing sutures in a wound that is healing by secondary intention is not appropriate as it could disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to complications. Sutures are typically removed when the wound is healing by primary intention and the edges are approximated.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The development of a fever and dyspnea in a client receiving continuous tube feeding could indicate a serious complication, such as aspiration pneumonia, infection, or another significant issue. Reporting these findings to the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
B. While monitoring electrolyte values is important in clients receiving tube feedings, especially if there are concerns about dehydration or imbalances, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client's fever and dyspnea suggest an acute issue that needs prompt attention, and addressing the acute symptoms and reporting them to the healthcare provider takes precedence over reviewing electrolytes.
C. An incentive spirometer is useful for improving lung function and preventing atelectasis, particularly in postoperative or immobile patients. However, the presence of fever and dyspnea could indicate a more urgent problem such as aspiration or infection, which requires immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
D. Connecting the tube to low intermittent suction is typically used to decompress the stomach in cases of gastric distension or to prevent aspiration of gastrointestinal contents. However, in the context of the client's new onset of fever and dyspnea, this action does not directly address the potential underlying cause, which could be more serious.

A. Picks up an item on the far side of the bed by stretching over the mattress. B. Bends at the waist to hang a urinary bedside unit on the bed frame. C. Pushes the lower drawer of the medication cart closed using one's hip. D. Stands erect with knees bent to pull a draw sheet and move the client in bed.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This can strain the back and increase the risk of injury. It's important to use proper body mechanics, such as bending the knees and keeping the back straight, when reaching for objects.
B. Bending at the waist can strain the back and increase the risk of injury. It's important to lift objects with the legs, not the back.
C. This can strain the back and hips. It's important to use proper body mechanics, such as using the legs and core muscles to push or pull heavy objects.
D. Standing erect with knees bent provides a strong base of support and helps to distribute weight evenly. Bending the knees allows for lifting with the legs, which is less stressful on the back and reduces the risk of injury. Pulling a draw sheet and moving a client in bed requires a combination of strength and proper body mechanics. Standing erect with knees bent helps to prevent strain on the back and muscles

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A surgical incision that is healing by secondary intention develops a thick tan exudate. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who has a continuous tube feeding develops a fever and reports experiencing dyspnea. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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