A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and observes that the client's wound has eviscerated. After calling for help, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place the client supine with knees bent.
Assess the client for manifestations of shock.
Cover the area with a sterile dressing, moistened with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation.
Raise the head of the client's bed 15° to 20°.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Placing the client supine with knees bent helps reduce abdominal pressure, but it is not the first action. Protecting the exposed organs from infection or drying out takes priority.
B. Assessing for manifestations of shock is important, but the immediate concern is to prevent further injury or infection to the exposed tissues.
C. The priority action when a wound eviscerates is to cover the area with a sterile dressing moistened with 0.9% sodium chloride solution to keep the organs moist and prevent infection until surgical repair can be done.
D. Raising the head of the bed slightly may help reduce pressure, but it is not the most immediate action compared to covering the exposed organs to prevent drying or infection.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Although the adolescent in a halo brace has some immobility, the greatest risk factors for skin breakdown involve areas where prolonged pressure is applied, and older adults are more vulnerable due to age-related skin changes.
B. A fractured radius and arm cast do not pose a significant risk for skin breakdown because the client can still mobilize and reposition themselves, reducing prolonged pressure.
C. An older adult with a hip fracture in Buck's traction is at greatest risk for skin breakdown due to immobility, pressure from the traction setup, and the reduced skin elasticity and healing capacity that come with age.
D. While skeletal balanced suspension traction poses some risk, a young adult typically has better skin integrity and mobility than an older adult, reducing the risk for skin breakdown.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client with right-sided heart failure and 4+ edema is at risk for pressure ulcers due to fluid accumulation, which can impair circulation and increase the likelihood of skin breakdown.
B. A client who is ambulatory is at a low risk for pressure ulcers because frequent movement reduces the risk of prolonged pressure on any one area.
C. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia is at risk for pressure ulcers because high blood glucose levels can impair wound healing and affect skin integrity.
D. A client with protein-calorie malnutrition is at a significant risk for pressure ulcers due to inadequate nutrition, which weakens the skin and impairs the body’s ability to repair tissue damage.
E. A client with postoperative delirium may have decreased mobility and cognitive awareness, making it harder for them to reposition themselves, thereby increasing their risk of pressure ulcers.