A wound has a bloodtinged liquid that is dripping from the surgical site. How does the nurse document this finding?

Choice A reason: A decreased level of rheumatoid factor is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is produced by the immune system and can bind to other antibodies. A high level of rheumatoid factor indicates an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Choice B reason: A negative rheumatoid factor is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. A negative rheumatoid factor means that the antibody is not detected in the blood. A negative rheumatoid factor does not rule out rheumatoid arthritis, but it may suggest a different type of arthritis or another condition.

Choice C reason: A positive rheumatoid factor is seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. A positive rheumatoid factor means that the antibody is detected in the blood. A positive rheumatoid factor is more likely to occur in clients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially during a flareup of the disease.

Choice D reason: Factor does not change is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor can vary over time and may change depending on the activity of the disease. Rheumatoid factor may increase during a flareup and decrease during remission.

Choice A reason: Wearing a gown is the correct answer, because it is the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious infections in the skin, blood, lungs, or other organs. MRSA can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected wound or contaminated surfaces. Wearing a gown can protect the nurse's clothing and skin from exposure to MRSA.

Choice B reason: Wearing sterile gloves is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. Sterile gloves are used for sterile procedures, such as inserting a catheter or changing a dressing, not for routine assessments, such as checking the pulse. Wearing sterile gloves can be wasteful and unnecessary, and it does not provide adequate protection from MRSA.

Choice C reason: Wearing a PAPR mask is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. PAPR stands for powered airpurifying respirator, and it is a type of mask that filters the air and provides positive pressure to the wearer. PAPR masks are used for airborne precautions, which are required for clients who have diseases that can be spread through the air, such as tuberculosis or measles, not for clients who have MRSA.

Choice D reason: Wearing a surgical mask is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. Surgical masks are used for droplet precautions, which are required for clients who have diseases that can be spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis, not for clients who have MRSA.