The nurse is completing a head-to-toe assessment and notices a wound on the patient's trochanter. The patient winces when the area is palpated, and there is minimal slough with visible subcutaneous tissue. How should the nurse stage this wound?
Stage 1 pressure ulcer
Stage 4 pressure ulcer
Stage 2 pressure ulcer
Stage 3 pressure ulcer
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. A Stage 1 pressure ulcer is characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable redness; it does not involve any tissue loss or visible subcutaneous tissue, which is present in this case.
B. A Stage 4 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, muscle, or tendon; while this wound has visible subcutaneous tissue, it does not exhibit the depth or extent associated with Stage 4.
C. A Stage 2 pressure ulcer is defined by partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis, presenting as a blister or abrasion. This wound shows more depth and visible subcutaneous tissue, which indicates it is deeper than a Stage 2.
D. A Stage 3 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss, with visible fat and possible slough. The presence of minimal slough and visible subcutaneous tissue in this wound aligns with the characteristics of a Stage 3 ulcer.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A wet-to-dry dressing is typically used for debridement and is not appropriate for a shallow pressure ulcer without necrotic tissue, as it can damage healthy tissue during dressing changes.
B. Leaving the area without a dressing is not advisable as it exposes the wound to contaminants and increases the risk of infection; a dressing should be used to protect the area.
C. A hydrocolloid dressing is ideal for shallow partial-thickness wounds as it provides a moist environment, promotes healing, and helps to cushion the area while maintaining a barrier against bacteria.
D. Alginate dressings are primarily used for wounds with moderate to heavy exudate and would not be suitable in this case due to the lack of drainage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Application of antibiotic ointment involves assessment and clinical judgment, which should be performed by a licensed nurse rather than an AP.
B. The removal of a nasogastric tube is a nursing task that requires training and knowledge of potential complications, and it should not be assigned to an AP.
C. Monitoring vital signs of a client who had an appendectomy 12 hours ago can be safely delegated to an AP, as it is a basic task that does not require clinical judgment beyond standard procedures.
D. Obtaining medical history information from a stable client is a task that requires assessment skills and critical thinking, making it inappropriate to assign to an AP.