Which nursing intervention is most important for preventing surgical site infections in clients undergoing surgery?
Administering prophylactic antibiotics as ordered
Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises
Providing adequate pain control
Assessing for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A) Administering prophylactic antibiotics as ordered. According to the WHO guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI), prophylactic antibiotics should be given within 60 minutes before skin incision and discontinued within 24 hours after surgery.
This reduces the risk of SSI by preventing bacterial colonization of the surgical site.
Choice B) Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises is wrong because this intervention is mainly for preventing respiratory complications, not SSI. Coughing and deep breathing exercises help to clear secretions and prevent atelectasis and pneumonia.
Choice C) Providing adequate pain control is wrong because this intervention is mainly for improving patient comfort and recovery, not SSI. Pain control may reduce stress and inflammation, but it does not directly affect the risk of SSI.
Choice D) Assessing for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is wrong because this intervention is mainly for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), not SSI.
DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
It can cause pain, swelling, and redness. If the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.
Some other intraoperative interventions for preventing SSI include using an alcohol-based skin prep, maintaining body temperature, using impervious wound protectors, and performing SSI surveillance.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Mothers may be at increased risk for poor bonding with the newborn.This is because cesarean delivery can interfere with the natural hormonal and physiological processes that facilitate maternal-infant attachment, such as skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding initiation, and oxytocin release.Cesarean delivery can also cause more pain, stress, and anxiety for the mother, which can affect her emotional availability and responsiveness to the newborn.
Choice A is wrong because mothers do not necessarily have more problems with parenting skills after cesarean delivery.
Parenting skills depend on many factors, such as education, support, personality, and motivation.
Cesarean delivery may pose some challenges for postpartum recovery and care, but it does not imply that mothers are less competent or capable of parenting.
Choice C is wrong because mothers can breastfeed right away after cesarean delivery, unless there are medical contraindications or complications.
Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the newborn, as it provides nutrition, immunity, comfort, and bonding.However, breastfeeding after cesarean delivery may require more assistance and support from health care providers and family members, as well as alternative positions and techniques to avoid pain and discomfort.
Choice D is wrong because mothers do not necessarily resent the health care team member for keeping the newborn in the nursery.
Mothers may appreciate the help and care that the health care team member provides for them and their newborns.
However, keeping the newborn in the nursery may delay or reduce the opportunities for maternal-infant interaction and bonding.
Therefore, it is recommended to promote early and frequent contact between the mother and the newborn after cesarean delivery, as long as it is safe
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Shortness of breath and chest pain are signs of pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).DVT is a type of blood clot that can occur in the legs or arms, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.PE happens when a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow.
Choice B is wrong because nausea and vomiting are not specific signs of thromboembolism.
They can be caused by many other conditions, such as morning sickness, food poisoning, or medication side effects.
Choice C is wrong because headache and blurred vision are not typical signs of thromboembolism.
They can be associated with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Choice D is wrong because fever and chills are not common signs of thromboembolism.
They can indicate an infection or inflammation, such as mastitis or endometritis.
Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing DVT and PE because of hormonal changes, increased blood clotting factors, reduced blood flow to the legs, and other factors.The risk is even higher after a cesarean delivery.
Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.Thromboembolism can be prevented and treated with anticoagulant medications, compression stockings, and physical activity.
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