The nurse identifies which of the following as one of the primary nursing interventions for preventing surgical site infection?
Having the patient splint their incision site when coughing and deep breathing
Offering around the clock pain medication the immediate post operative phase
Administering prescribed pre-operative antibiotics within 30-60 minutes of surgery.
Performing the first dressing change on a new surgical site in the post operative setting
The Correct Answer is C
A. Having the patient splint their incision site when coughing and deep breathing:
While splinting the incision site can help alleviate pain and prevent strain on the surgical wound during coughing and deep breathing, it is not a primary intervention for preventing surgical site infection. Infection prevention is more directly related to sterile technique, antibiotic prophylaxis, and maintaining a clean environment around the wound. Splinting can support postoperative recovery, but it does not directly prevent infection.
B. Offering around the clock pain medication in the immediate post-operative phase:
Providing pain medication is important for patient comfort and to facilitate early mobilization after surgery. However, pain management does not directly prevent surgical site infections. The focus for infection prevention lies in maintaining sterility, administering antibiotics as prescribed, and appropriate wound care rather than pain control alone.
C. Administering prescribed pre-operative antibiotics within 30-60 minutes of surgery:
The administration of prophylactic antibiotics before surgery, typically within 30-60 minutes of the incision, is a primary intervention for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). This timing ensures that the antibiotics are at therapeutic levels in the bloodstream when the surgical procedure begins, reducing the risk of introducing bacteria into the surgical site. This is a well-established guideline for infection prevention in surgical settings.
D. Performing the first dressing change on a new surgical site in the postoperative setting:
The first dressing change should generally be done by a healthcare professional using sterile technique. However, the timing and handling of the first dressing change are more related to wound care practices rather than a primary strategy for preventing infection. Infection prevention primarily involves proper antibiotic prophylaxis, maintaining a sterile field, and managing the surgical site during the early post-operative period. The first dressing change, while important for wound healing, is not the most immediate or primary intervention for preventing surgical site infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "You probably have a gastrointestinal infection":
This statement is incorrect. A positive result on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicates the presence of antibodies to HIV, which suggests exposure to the virus. It does not point to a gastrointestinal infection. HIV is a viral infection that primarily affects the immune system, not the gastrointestinal system. Misleading the client in this way would delay proper care and understanding of their health status.
B. "You are confirmed to be infected with the HIV virus.":
A positive ELISA test result does not automatically confirm an HIV diagnosis. ELISA is a screening test that detects HIV antibodies, but it can sometimes produce false-positive results. A positive ELISA result must be confirmed with a more specific confirmatory test, such as the Western blot test. Therefore, it would be premature to tell the client that they are "confirmed" to be infected with HIV without further confirmatory testing.
C. "This is a good result, which means you do not have HIV.":
This statement is also incorrect. A positive ELISA test result does not mean that the client does not have HIV. In fact, it indicates potential exposure to the virus. However, because the result is a screening test, it must be followed up with confirmatory testing. Telling the client that this is a "good result" would be misleading and could cause confusion or delay in appropriate care.
D. "Your result will need to be confirmed with a Western blot test.":
This is the correct response. The Western blot test is the confirmatory test used to verify a positive result from the ELISA. If the ELISA result is positive, the client should be informed that further testing, such as the Western blot, is needed to confirm the diagnosis of HIV infection. It is important to explain that the ELISA is a screening tool, and a positive result does not mean a definitive diagnosis without confirmation. This helps to set realistic expectations and ensures the client receives the appropriate follow-up care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications:"
Phenytoin interacts with many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. It is crucial for the client to inform their doctor before starting any new medications, including herbal supplements, as phenytoin may have significant drug interactions that could alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
B) "I should talk to my doctor about other methods of contraception in addition to my current oral contraceptives:"
Phenytoin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, leading to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy. It is important for clients to discuss alternative or additional methods of contraception, such as non-hormonal methods or alternative hormonal birth control, with their healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy while taking phenytoin.
C) "I'll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine after my seizures are controlled:"
Phenytoin is typically a lifelong medication for managing seizures, even if the seizures are well-controlled. Stopping the medication without a doctor's approval can lead to seizure recurrence. Seizure control does not always mean stopping medication, and clients need to understand the importance of continuing the prescribed treatment regimen, even after achieving stability.
D) "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week:"
Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, which increases the need for regular dental checkups. It is recommended that clients taking phenytoin see a dentist regularly to manage this potential side effect and maintain oral health.
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