The nurse notes a reddened area on the right heel that does not turn lighter in color when pressed with a finger.


Which term will the nurse use to describe this area?

Choice A rationale:

Irrigating with sterile saline before swabbing can dilute the wound specimen and reduce the accuracy of the culture results. This is because the saline can wash away some of the bacteria that are present in the wound, making it more difficult to identify the specific bacteria that are causing the infection.

Additionally, swabbing the center of the wound may not collect a representative sample of the bacteria present, as bacteria can often be found in higher concentrations at the edges of the wound. This is because the edges of the wound are often where the tissue is most damaged and where the bacteria are able to enter the body more easily.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a sample of the drainage from the dressing on the wound may not be as accurate as collecting a sample directly from the wound. This is because the drainage may contain bacteria from the surrounding skin or environment, which could contaminate the culture results.

Additionally, the drainage may not contain a representative sample of the bacteria present in the wound, as some bacteria may not be able to drain out of the wound.

Choice D rationale:

Collecting a tissue sample from the wound during a surgical procedure is the most accurate way to obtain a culture. However, this is not always feasible or necessary.

It is often possible to obtain an accurate culture by collecting a sample from the wound using a sterile swab. This is a less invasive procedure and can be done at the bedside.

Step 1: Convert the prescribed dose to milligrams. 400 mcg = 0.4 mg (since 1 mg = 1000 mcg)

Step 2: Compare the prescribed dose to the pill strength. The prescribed dose is 0.4 mg.

The pill strength is 0.4 mg.

Step 3: Determine the number of pills needed.

Since the prescribed dose and pill strength are equal, only one pill is needed to administer the correct dose.

Rationale for Choice A:

Correct: One pill of 0.4 mg will provide the exact dose of 400 mcg that has been prescribed.

Direct match: The pill strength matches the prescribed dose, eliminating the need for any calculations or adjustments.

Therapeutic equivalence: Administering one pill ensures that the patient receives the intended amount of medication to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Adherence to prescription: Conforms to the healthcare provider's instructions, promoting accurate and safe medication administration.