The nurse is taking care of a postsurgical patient and notes the incision is clean and dry, with sutures intact.
The nurse further assesses that the wound is healing by:

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the reservoir until the end of the shift could lead to overfilling and ineffective drainage.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the drain is not within the nurse’s scope of practice and could lead to complications.

Choice C rationale:

Emptying the reservoir ensures effective drainage and allows for accurate measurement of output.

Choice D rationale:

Notifying the surgeon about the blood loss may be necessary if the amount is significant, but it is not the immediate action.

Choice A rationale:

Strengthening the wall of the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Drawing the wound edges together by negative pressure is the correct answer. Vacuum-assisted closure, also known as negative pressure wound therapy, works by applying negative pressure to the wound, which helps to draw the edges of the wound together and promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

Making an air occlusive cover for the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Interrupting the proliferation of bacteria in the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.