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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Applying cornstarch can absorb moisture; however, it may not be the most effective method to maintain skin integrity and can cause friction when applying.
B. A diet high in protein is essential for skin health and repair, as it supports tissue regeneration and helps prevent skin breakdown in vulnerable clients.
C. Massaging bony prominences is not recommended, as it may cause further tissue damage or disrupt circulation. Instead, padding and reducing pressure on these areas is more beneficial.
D. Repositioning the client every 3 hours may not be frequent enough for someone at high risk for skin breakdown; generally, repositioning should occur at least every 2 hours to alleviate pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A significant drop in blood pressure from 138/86 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg indicates potential hypovolemia or hemorrhage, which requires immediate intervention to prevent shock or other complications. This is the most critical finding among the clients.
B. A client with stable blood glucose levels between 110 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL is not a priority, as these readings are within a normal range and do not indicate immediate danger.
C. The transition of wound drainage from sanguineous to serosanguineous is a normal part of the healing process and is not an urgent concern.
D. A mild increase in pain from 1 to 3 on a 1 to 10 scale is also not an immediate priority, as it remains within a low pain range and can be managed with routine pain control measures.