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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Serous drainage is clear and watery, which is typical during the early stages of healing and indicates normal wound healing.
B. Purulent drainage is thick and may appear yellow, green, or brown, indicating infection.
C. Serosanguineous drainage is a mix of serous fluid and small amounts of blood, typically pink in color, and is seen in wounds that are healing.
D. Sanguineous drainage is primarily blood, indicating fresh bleeding from a wound.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Using a moisturizer after cleaning helps keep the skin hydrated, preventing dryness and cracking, which can increase the risk of infection.
B. Allowing the skin to air dry can lead to excessive dryness, especially in vulnerable areas, potentially compromising the skin’s integrity.
C. Rubbing the skin firmly can cause irritation, damage, and increased risk of skin breakdown, particularly in individuals with fragile skin.
D. Washing the skin daily with hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, which increases the risk of infection. Warm water should be used instead.