The nurse is assessing a client who had a surgical excision of a basal cell carcinoma one week ago. Assessment findings include redness, warmth, and serosanguinous drainage from the site. What would be the priority action by the nurse?
Request a prescription to culture the wound
Request a prescription for broad spectrum antibiotics
Assure the client this is normal in the healing process
Clean the wound with sterile normal saline
The Correct Answer is A
A. Requesting a prescription to culture the wound is the priority action because the presence of redness, warmth, and serosanguinous drainage could indicate an infection that needs to be confirmed and treated appropriately.
B. While antibiotics may be necessary if an infection is confirmed, it is crucial to first determine the presence of infection through culturing the wound.
C. Assuring the client that these findings are normal may delay necessary intervention if an infection is present, which could worsen the client's condition.
D. Cleaning the wound with sterile normal saline may be appropriate as part of wound care, but it does not address the underlying concern of possible infection and would not be prioritized over obtaining a culture.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Using a soft toothbrush is appropriate for preventing bleeding, but it does not directly indicate an understanding of neutropenia or its implications for infection risk.
B. Babysitting a young child may expose the client to infections, which is not safe for someone with neutropenia. This statement shows a lack of understanding.
C. Calling the oncologist when experiencing an increased temperature is critical because it may indicate an infection, which is a major concern for clients with neutropenia. This statement reflects an appropriate understanding of the condition.
D. While wearing a mask can be beneficial in some situations, stating that it must be worn at all times is not necessary and shows a misunderstanding of the guidelines for reducing infection risk in neutropenia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The HPV vaccination is a form of primary prevention as it aims to prevent the initial occurrence of cervical cancer by protecting against the human papillomavirus, which is a major risk factor for this cancer.
B. BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing is a form of genetic testing used for risk assessment rather than prevention; it helps identify individuals at high risk for breast and ovarian cancers but does not prevent cancer itself.
C. Annual mammograms are a secondary prevention measure aimed at early detection of breast cancer rather than preventing the disease from occurring, as they help identify cancer in its early stages.
D. Rehabilitation exercises post-chemotherapy are supportive measures for patients undergoing treatment; they do not constitute primary prevention, which focuses on measures taken before cancer develops.