The nurse places Dakin’s solution in a wound for which purpose?

Choice A rationale
Wrapping the dressing in a clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is not appropriate because the dressing is saturated with potentially infectious material.

Choice B rationale
Double bagging and labeling the dressing as “biohazard” is part of the correct procedure, but sending it for decontamination is not typically done for soiled dressings; they should be disposed of properly.

Choice C rationale
Simply discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle does not follow proper infection control protocols for handling potentially infectious materials.

Choice D rationale
Placing the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method as it ensures safe disposal and prevents the risk of infection transmission.

Choice A rationale
Prolonged immobility can indeed cause swelling due to fluid accumulation; however, it typically does not lead to sudden worsening or significant swelling at a specific wound site. It is more associated with generalized edema, particularly in dependent areas of the body.

Choice B rationale
While infections can cause swelling, they are also accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, and possibly fever. Swelling alone, without these other symptoms, is less indicative of an infection.

Choice C rationale
A deeper injury might cause swelling, but this would have been identified during the initial assessment. Swelling that occurs later in the healing process is less likely to be from a deeper, previously unnoticed injury.

Choice D rationale
Swelling at a wound site is often due to inflammation, where blood vessels dilate and become more permeable, allowing plasma to leak into the tissue. This is a normal part of the healing process as the body brings in necessary cells and substances to promote recovery.