While cleansing a client's surgical incision, the nurse observes the incision as seen in the picture. How should the nurse document the appearance of the incision?

Dehiscence present.
Incision healing well.
Infected incision.
Edges approximated.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Dehiscence refers to the separation or opening of a wound’s edges, usually occurring after surgical closure. This can be due to several factors including infection, mechanical stress, or inadequate wound healing. If the incision shows signs of separation or gaping, this term would be appropriate. However, without a visual description or image, it’s unclear if the incision exhibits these characteristics.
B. This term implies that the incision is progressing towards recovery with no significant issues such as infection or dehiscence. This documentation is used when the wound appears clean, dry, and without signs of complications.
C. An infected incision typically shows signs such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, or an unpleasant odor. If the incision displays these signs, it would be appropriate to document it as infected.
D. This term indicates that the edges of the incision are closely aligned, which is often used to describe an incision that is healing by primary intention. The edges are expected to come together neatly without separation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct) are important indicators of anemia, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiencies. For an older adult female, the reference range for hemoglobin is 12 to 16 g/dL, and the hematocrit range is 37% to 47%. A hemoglobin of 11.8 g/dL and a hematocrit of 34% are below the normal range, indicating potential anemia, which could be related to nutritional deficiencies.
B. Weight loss or being underweight can be a sign of nutritional deficiency, particularly if it is unintentional. However, this option lacks specific details about the extent of weight loss and its relation to other indicators. Weight alone does not provide complete information about nutritional deficiencies without additional context, such as changes in weight over time or body composition.
C. A decrease in lean body mass can be indicative of malnutrition or a prolonged deficiency in protein or overall caloric intake. While it is an important indicator of nutritional status, it reflects long-term changes and may not immediately show acute deficiencies.
D. Serum albumin and serum transferrin are biomarkers of nutritional status. The reference range for serum albumin is 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL, and for serum transferrin, it is 250 to 380 mg/dL. A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL and a serum transferrin level of 180 mg/dL are both below the normal range, indicating possible malnutrition or protein deficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While avoiding friction can help to prevent skin breakdown, it's not the most important intervention for this client. Frequent position changes are more effective in reducing pressure on the skin and preventing ulcers.
B. Nutrition is important for overall health, but it's not the most immediate concern in this case. Preventing pressure ulcers is the priority.
C. While keeping the skin clean and dry is important, it's not the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Frequent position changes are more important for reducing pressure on the skin.
D. The most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile clients is to change their position frequently. This helps to relieve pressure on bony areas and promote circulation to the skin. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can help to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers.
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