A client who had colon surgery 3 days ago is anxious and requesting assistance to reposition. While the nurse is turning the client, the wound dehisces and eviscerates. The nurse moistens an available sterile dressing and places it over the wound. Which intervention should the nurse implement next?
Obtain a sample of the drainage to send to the laboratory.
Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sound activity.
Prepare the client to return to the operating room.
Bring additional sterile dressing supplies to the room.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Obtaining a sample of the drainage is not an immediate priority after evisceration; the patient's safety and stabilization come first.
B. Auscultating the abdomen for bowel sounds is important but secondary to addressing the immediate crisis of evisceration.
C. Preparing the client to return to the operating room is the priority action because evisceration indicates a surgical emergency that requires prompt intervention to repair the abdominal wall and prevent complications.
D. While additional sterile dressing supplies may be needed, addressing the evisceration takes precedence to prevent further injury and manage the patient’s condition.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While hematocrit levels provide information about blood volume status, they are not directly relevant to infection status or wound healing in burn patients.
B. Blood pH levels can indicate acid-base imbalances, but they do not specifically inform the nurse about the presence of infection.
C. Platelet count is important for assessing coagulation and bleeding risks, but it does not provide direct information regarding infection.
D. White blood cell (WBC) count is critical in assessing for infection, as an elevated WBC count can indicate the presence of an infection, particularly in a client with significant burns who is at increased risk for sepsis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Removing ink marks can lead to difficulty in accurately targeting the radiation area, so the marks should be left in place until the treatment course is complete.
B. Protecting the skin from sunlight exposure is crucial, as the irradiated skin is more sensitive and at increased risk for sunburn. This recommendation helps to prevent further irritation and damage to the skin during and after treatment.
C. While moisturizing lotions can be beneficial for maintaining skin integrity, they should be used cautiously and only if prescribed by the healthcare provider, as some products may cause irritation.
D. The skin inside the radiation portal site should be washed gently with mild soap and water to keep it clean; avoiding washing is not advisable as it can lead to skin breakdown.