PrepU - Ch 32 - Skin Integrity and Wound Care

The nurse is teaching a client who is preparing for a left mastectomy due to breast cancer. Which teaching about a Jackson-Pratt drain will the nurse include?

"It provides a way to remove drainage and blood from the surgical wound." >> The bulb-like drain allows removal of blood and drainage from the surgical site. It does not provide a route for medication administration or decrease the chance for infection, nor does it stay attached permanently.

The nurse is using the Braden Scale to determine a client's risk for pressure injuries. What criteria will the nurse assess? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

*ability *sensory *perception *friction *nutrition >> Sensory perception, nutrition, ability, and friction are all criteria used in the Braden Scale. Age is not a graded criterion in predicting the risk for pressure injuries.

A postoperative client says during a transfer, "I feel like something just popped." The nurse immediately assesses for:

dehiscence. >> Dehiscence is a total or partial disruption of wound edges. Clients often report feeling that the incision has given way. Manifestations of infection include redness, warmth, swelling, and fever. With herniation, there is protrusion through a bodily opening. Evisceration is a term that describes protrusion of intra-abdominal contents.

Which activity should the nurse implement to decrease shearing force on a client's stage II pressure injury?

preventing the client from sliding in bed >> Shearing force occurs when tissue layers move on one another, causing vessels to stretch as they pass through the subcutaneous tissue.

The nurse is teaching a client about wound care at home following a cesarean birth of her baby. Which client statement requires further nursing teaching?

"Reinforced adhesive skin closures will hold my wound together until it heals." >> After a cesarean birth, a client will be sutured and have staples put in place for a number of days. The health care provider or nurse will remove staples. Reinforced adhesive skin closures are not strong enough to hold this type of wound together.

A Penrose drain typically exits a client's skin through a stab wound created by the surgeon.

True >> A Penrose drain is an open drainage system that exits the skin through a stab wound. The purpose a Penrose drain is to provide a sinus tract for drainage.

A client reports acute pain while negative pressure wound therapy is in place. What should the nurse do first?

Assess the client's wound and vital signs. >> First, the nurse should assess the client. The nurse needs to assess the wound, assess if the therapy is working properly, assess the client's vital signs, and assess the pain. The other options might be appropriate but only after the client has been assessed.

Upon review of a postoperative client's medication list, the nurse recognizes that which medication will delay the healing of the operative wound?

corticosteroids >> Clients who are taking corticosteroids or require postoperative radiation therapy are at high risk for delayed healing and wound complications. Corticosteroids decrease the inflammatory process, which may delay healing. Antihypertensive drugs, potassium supplements, and laxatives do not delay wound healing.

A child is brought to the clinic by his mother. The mother states he has been at Boy Scout camp. The child has a rash on his face, arms, and legs. The child states it itches severely. The child has probably come in contact with:

poison ivy. >> The external or internal irritants can cause skin reactions. The irritants may be chemical, such as poison ivy.

A client receiving a sitz bath complains of light-headedness to the nurse. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Stop the sitz bath, call for help, and help the client to the toilet to sit down. >> If the client complains of feeling light-headed or dizzy during a sitz bath: Stop the sitz bath. Do not attempt to ambulate the client alone. Use call light to summon help. Let the client sit on the toilet until feeling subsides or help has arrived to assist the client back to bed. This does not necessarily warrant a code blue unless the nurse suspects an acute onset of a serious health problem.

Which is not considered a skin appendage?

Connective tissue >> Hair, the sebaceous gland, and eccrine sweat glands are skin appendages that are formed with the enfolding of the epidermis into the dermis. The dermis is composed of connective tissue.

The nurse is assessing a client's surgical wound after abdominal surgery and sees viscera protruding through the abdominal wound opening. Which term BEST describes this complication?

evisceration >> Evisceration is the protrusion of viscera through an abdominal wound opening. Evisceration can follow dehiscence if the opening extends deeply enough to allow the abdominal fascia to separate and internal organs to protrude.

The nurse and client are looking at the client's heel pressure injury. The client asks, "Why does my heel look black?" What is the nurse's appropriate response?

"That is necrotic tissue, which must be removed to promote healing." >> Wounds that are brown or black are necrotic and not considered normal. Slough is dead moist, stringy dead tissue on the wound surface that is yellow, tan, gray, or green. Undermining is tissue erosion from underneath intact skin at the wound edge.

The nurse is caring for a client with an ankle sprain. Which client statement regarding an ice pack indicates that nursing teaching has been effective?

"I will put a layer of cloth between my skin and the ice pack." >> Teaching has been effective when the client understands that a layer of cloth is needed between the ice pack and skin to preserve skin integrity. The ice pack should be removed if the skin becomes mottled or numb; this indicates that the cold therapy is too cold. The ice pack can be in place for no more than 20-30 minutes at a time, and a minimum of 30 minutes should go by before it is reapplied.

The nurse and client are looking at a client's heel pressure injury. The client asks, "Why is there a small part of this wound that is dry and brown?" What is the nurse's appropriate response?

"Necrotic tissue is devitalized tissue that must be removed to promote healing." >> The tissue the client is inquiring about is not normal. Dry brown or black tissue is necrotic. Slough is dead moist, stringy dead tissue on the wound surface that is yellow, tan, gray, or green. Undermining is tissue erosion from underneath intact skin at the wound edge.

The registered nurse (RN) observes the licensed practical nurse (LPN) preforming this action when applying a topical gel to a client's surigical wound during a dressing change. What instructions should the RN provide the LPN regarding this action?

"To best avoid further traumatizing the wound bed, apply the gel with a sterile cotton tip applicator." >> The nurse should apply any topical medications, foams, gels, and/or gauze to the wound as prescribed; ensuring that the product stays confined to the wound and does not impact on intact surrounding tissue/skin. Applying the medicated gel with an applicator allows for better control over the application, thus minimizing any additional trauma to wound. The procedure should be preformed using sterile technique, but clean technique can be used when proving care to chronic or pressure injury wounds. To manage contamination risk, cleansing of a wound should be done from top to center to outside.

The nurse is teaching a client about healing of a minor surgical wound by first intention. What teaching will the nurse include?

"Very little scar tissue will form." >>Very little scar tissue is expected to form in a minor surgical wound. Second-intention healing involves a complex reparative process in which the margins of the wound are not in direct contact. Third-intention healing takes place when the wound edges are intentionally left widely separated and later brought together for closure.

The acute care nurse is caring for a client whose large surgical wound is healing by secondary intention. The client asks, "Why is my wound still open? Will it ever heal?" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

"Your wound will heal slowly as granulation tissue forms and fills the wound." >> (provides education) Large wounds with extensive tissue loss may not be able to be closed by primary intention, which is surgical intervention. Secondary intention, in which the wound is left open and closes naturally, is not done if less of a scar is necessary. Third intention is when a wound is left open for a few days and then, if there is no indication of infection, closed by a surgeon.

The wound care nurse is performing dressing changes for several clients on the unit. Which situation reinforces the nurse's competence in providing wound care? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

*A nurse places a transparent dressing over a central venous access device insertion site. *A nurse uses aseptic techniques when changing a dressing. *A nurse places a drainage dressing around a drain insertion site. >> The nurse would place an OpSite over a central venous access device insertion site. An OpSite helps to secure the device and is appropriate for a site with little drainage. The nurse would use appropriate aseptic techniques when changing a dressing. The nurse would place a drainage dressing around a drain insertion site. The dressing absorbs drainage and protects the wound from contamination or injury. The nurse would not place a transparent dressing over an ABD pad. The nurse would use tape on the ABD pad. Drainage could be marked on the tape to determine any changes in drainage. The purpose of a Telfa is to not adhere to the wound, and allows drainage to pass through to a secondary dressing.

The nurse is caring for a client with an irregular-shaped traumatic wound. What principles should the nurse use when gathering information about the wound to chart? Select all that apply.

*Draw the shape of the wound with a description. *Measure the wound's length and width. *Assess color, drainage, presence of pain, or complications. >> When charting the findings, draw an irregular-shaped wound, as in this question, and provide a description including its length and width. A sterile applicator moistened with saline should be used to measure the depth of a wound and to determine the presence of tunneling. A dry applicator could damage the wound by sticking to it. The nurse would use the imaginary face of a clock when describing where on the wound the locations of tunneling exist. The nurse would assess the color of the wound, and presence of drainage, pain or discomfort, and any complications, and include these in the charting.

A nurse has applied a bandage to a client's arm from just above the wrist to just below the elbow. What finding(s) would suggest to the nurse that there are no circulatory complications? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

*Warm hand *No finger numbness or tingling *Fingers with quick capillary refill >> The nurse should monitor, observe, and document for quick capillary refill of fingers, normal radial pulse, normal skin color, no swelling, numbness, and tingling of the hand and fingers. Cyanosis, pallor, coolness, numbness, tingling, swelling, or absent or diminished pulse are signs that circulation may be decreased or that nerve function is impaired.

A nurse is caring for a client who has had a left-side mastectomy. The nurse notes an intact Penrose drain. Which statement about Penrose drains is true?

A Penrose drain promotes passive drainage into a dressing. >> A Penrose drain is an open drainage system that promotes passive drainage of fluid into a dressing. The Jackson-Pratt drain has a small bulblike collection chamber that is kept under negative pressure. A Hemovac is a round collection chamber with a spring inside that also must be kept under negative pressure.

For which client would the application of a hydrocolloid dressing be most appropriate?

A client who has a partial-thickness venous ulcer with moderate drainage >> Hydrocolloids are occlusive or semiocclusive dressings that limit exchange of oxygen between wound and environment; they are appropriate for partial- and full-thickness wounds with light to moderate drainage. A sunburn would not normally warrant this type of wound dressing and they are not used on infected wounds. Hydrocolloid dressings are not used on uncomplicated surgical incisions.

A pediatric nurse is familiar with specific characteristics of children's skin. Which statement describes the common skin characteristics in a child?

An infant's skin and mucous membranes are easily injured and at risk for infection. >> An infant's skin and mucous membranes are easily injured and at risk for infection. In children younger than 2 years, the skin is thinner and weaker than in adults. The structure of the skin changes as a person ages. A child's skin becomes more resistant to injury and infection as the child grows.

The nurse has removed the sutures and is now planning to apply wound closure strips. What should the nurse do beforeapplying the strips?

Apply a skin protectant to the skin around the incision. >> Before applying the wound closure strips, the nurse should apply a skin protectant to the skin surrounding the incision site. The skin barrier will help the closure strips adhere to the skin and helps prevent skin irritation and excoriation from tape, adhesives, and wound drainage. The skin protectant should not be placed on the incision itself. Nothing should be placed over the incision site itself before the closure strips are applied.

A nurse is cleaning the wound of a client who has been injured by a gunshot. Which guideline is recommended for this procedure?

Clean the wound from the top to the bottom and from the center to outside. >> Using sterile technique, clean the wound from the top to the bottom and from the center to the outside. Dry the area with a gauze sponge, not an absorbent cloth.

A postoperative client is being transferred from the bed to a gurney and states, "I feel like something has just given away." What should the nurse assess in the client?

Dehiscence of the wound >> Dehiscence is the partial or total separation of wound layers as a result of excessive stress on wounds that are not healed. Clients at greater risk for these complications include those who are obese or malnourished, smoke tobacco, use anticoagulants, have infected wounds, or experience excessive coughing, vomiting, or straining. An increase in the flow of fluid from the wound between postoperative days 4 and 5 may be a sign of an impending dehiscence. The client may say that "something has suddenly given way." If dehiscence occurs, cover the wound area with sterile towels moistened with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution and notify the physician. Once dehiscence occurs, the wound is managed like any open wound. Manifestations of infection include redness, warmth, swelling, and heat. With herniation, there is protrusion through a bodily opening. Evisceration is a term that describes protrusion of intra-abdominal contents.

The wound care nurse evaluates a client's wound after being consulted. The client's wound healing has been slow. Upon assessment of the wound, the wound care nurse informs the medical-surgical nurse that the wound healing is being delayed due to the client's state of dehydration and dehydrated tissues in the wound that are crusty. What is another term for localized dehydration in a wound?

Desiccation >> Desiccation is localized wound dehydration. Maceration is localized wound overhydration or excessive moisture. Necrosis is death of tissue in the wound. Evisceration is complete separation of the wound, with protrusion of viscera through the incisional area.

The nurse is performing frequent skin assessment at the site where cold therapy has been in place. The nurse notes pallor at the site and the client reports "it feels numb." What is the best action by the nurse at this time?

Discontinue the therapy and assess the client. >> The best action by the nurse at this time is to discontinue the therapy and assess the client; this should be done before notifying the health care provider or documenting the event. Gently rubbing the area or massaging it would not be appropriate at this time.

The nurse is helping a confused client with a large leg wound order dinner. Which food item is most appropriate for the nurse to select to promote wound healing?

Fish >> To promote wound healing, the nurse should ensure that the client's diet is high in protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The fish is high in protein and is therefore the most appropriate choice to promote wound healing. Pasta salad has a high carbohydrate amount with no protein. Banana has a high amount of vitamin C but no protein. Green beans have some protein but not as much as fish.

Adequate blood flow to the skin is necessary for healthy, viable tissue. Adequate skin perfusion requires four factors. Which is not one of these factors?

Local capillary pressure must be lower than external pressure. >> Local capillary pressure must be higher than external pressure for adequate skin perfusion.

A nurse removing sutures from a client's traumatic wound notices that the sutures are encrusted with blood and difficult to remove. What would be the nurse's most appropriate action?

Moisten sterile gauze with sterile saline to gently loosen crusts before removing sutures. >> If sutures are crusted with dried blood or secretions, making them difficult to remove, the nurse should moisten sterile gauze with sterile saline and gently loosen crusts before removing the sutures; soap is not used for this purpose. Picking at the sutures could cause pain and bleeding. Crusting does not necessarily indicate inadequate wound healing.

When assessing the right heel of a client who is confined to bed, the nurse notes a thick, leathery, black scab. What is the correct action by the nurse?

Off-load pressure from the heel. >> The correct action by the nurse is to off-load pressure from the heel. This can be accomplished by placing a pillow under the client's leg so that the heel is touching neither the bed or the pillow. The hard leathery, black scar is an eschar that forms a protective covering over the heel and should not be debrided. The surgeon does not need to be consulted for a debridement. Utilizing an antiembolism stocking on the client will not impact the status of the heel wound.

Collection of a wound culture has been ordered for a client whose traumatic hand wound is showing signs of infection. When collecting this laboratory specimen, which action should the nurse take?

Rotate the swab several times over the wound surface to obtain an adequate specimen. >> The nurse should press and rotate the swab several times over the wound surface. The swab should be inserted into the culture tube at the bedside, immediately after collection. Saline or any other fluid is not added to the tube and anesthetics are not applied prior to collection.

A client's pressure injury is superficial and presents clinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater. How would the nurse document this pressure injury?

Stage II >> A stage II pressure injury involves partial thickness loss of dermis and presents as a shallow, open ulcer. A stage II injury could present as a blister, abrasion, or shallow crater. A stage I pressure injury is a defined area of intact skin with nonblanchable redness of a localized area, usually over a bony prominence. Darkly pigmented skin may not have visible blanching; its color may differ from the surrounding skin. The area may be painful, firm, soft, warmer, or cooler as compared to adjacent tissue. A stage III injury presents with full-thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle is not exposed. Slough that may be present does not obscure the depth of tissue loss. Injuries at this stage may include undermining and tunneling. Stage IV injuries involve full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. Slough or eschar may be present on some part of the wound bed and often include undermining and tunneling.

A nurse is removing the staples from a client's surgical incision, as ordered. After removing the first few staples, the nurse notes that the edges of the wound pull apart as each staple is removed. What is the nurse's best action?

Stop removing staples and inform the surgeon >> If there are signs of dehiscence, the nurse should stop removing staples and inform the surgeon. The surgeon may or may not order further staple removal. An occlusive dressing or ABD pad will not adequately prevent further dehiscence.

A nurse bandages the knee of a client who has recently undergone a knee surgery. What is the major purpose of the roller bandage?

Supports the area around the wound >> Bandages and binders are used to secure dressings, apply pressure, and support the wound. A roller bandage is a continuous strip of material wrapped on itself to form a cylinder or roll and is applied using a circular turn, spiral turn, or figure-of-eight turn. It is effective for use around joints, such as the knee, elbow, ankle, and wrist.

A nurse is caring for a client who has an avulsion of her left thumb. Which description should the nurse understand as being the definition of avulsion?

Tearing of a structure from its normal position >> An avulsion involves tearing of a structure from its normal position on the body. Tearing of the skin and tissue with some type of instrument with the tissue not aligned is a laceration. Cutting with a sharp instrument with wound edges in close approximation and correct alignment is an incision. A puncture of the skin is simply a puncture.

A client limps into the emergency department and states, "I stepped on a nail and did not have shoes on. Now I can barely walk." What types of concern does the nurse anticipate the client will have?

Tetanus, infection, wound care, and pain control >> Chances are the client knows that stepping on a nail could lead to a serious complication or illness, even if the client cannot remember or does not know about tetanus or infections. How to care for the wound is usually something clients will want to know before being discharged. The client in this scenario is reporting pain, so pain control will be one of the concerns. It is unlikely that the client will be worried about scarring on the bottom of the foot or sutures due to it being a puncture. The client is still walking, although in pain and with a limp, it would be unlikely the client would be concerned about being able to walk. More than likely, the client has already figured out the injury may not have occurred or would not be as bad had he or she been wearing shoes, so the nurse would not anticipate the need for preventative education.

The nurse is caring for a Penrose drain for a client post-abdominal surgery. What nursing action reflects a step in the care of a Penrose drain that needs to be shortened each day?

The nurse pulls the drain out a short distance using sterile scissors and a twisting motion, then cuts off the end of the drain with sterile scissors. >> Sometimes the physician orders a Penrose drain that is to be shortened each day. To do so, grasp the end of the drain with sterile forceps, pull it out a short distance while using a twisting motion, then cut off the end of the drain with sterile scissors. Place a new sterile pin at the base of the drain, as close to the skin as possible. The Penrose drain does not collect drainage, therefore it does not need to be emptied or compressed. If the Penrose drain is to be shortened, it cannot be sutured into the site.

The nurse is changing the dressing of a client with a gunshot wound. What nursing action would the nurse provide?

The nurse selects a dressing that absorbs exudate, if it is present, but still maintains a moist environment. >> A wound with heavy exudate will need a more absorptive dressing and a dry wound will require rehydration with a dressing that keeps the wound moist. The nurse would not keep the surrounding tissue moist. The nurse would not pack the wound cavity tightly, rather loosely. The nurse would not use wet-to-dry dressings continuously.

A client who was injured when stepping on a rusted nail visits the health care facility. What is the most important assessment information the nurse needs to obtain?

The status of the client's tetanus immunization >> Staging the wound is only done with pressure injuries. The presence of dirt or debris is something that will need to be addressed, but not the most important assessment. Understanding how the client stepped on the nail will need to be noted and is a possible educational opportunity for prevention, but it is not the most important assessment concern. Tetanus is caused by the Clostridium bacteria that can enter the body through a deep injury like stepping on a nail. The tetanus vaccine booster should be given every 10 years and is the best defence against developing the tetanus illness. Tetanus is a concern because it is a painful medical emergency that could lead to death. So, finding out the status of the client's tetanus immunization is the most important assessment information the nurse can collect from the client.

What intervention should the nurse teach the client to support the underlying tissues and decrease discomfort after removal of surgical staples?

To splint the area when engaging in activity >> To support the underlying tissues and decrease discomfort, the nurse should teach the client to splint the area when engaging in activities such as changing positions, coughing, or ambulating. Teaching the client to ambulate using a cane or walker may be necessary but is not done to support the underlying tissues or to decrease discomfort. It is done to ensure the client can use the ambulatory devices correctly. There is no indication that the client needs to stay in bed; in fact, ambulation should be encouraged. Teaching the client to turn the head away while coughing is done to aid in prevention of infection.

A nurse is evaluating a client who was admitted with partial-thickness or second-degree burns. Which describes this type of burn?

Usually moist with blisters, which may be pink, red, pale ivory, or light yellow-brown >> Second-degree burns are moderate to deep partial-thickness burns that may be pink, red, pale ivory, or light yellow-brown. They are usually moist with blisters. First-degree burns are superficial and may be pinkish or red with no blistering. Third-degree burns are full-thickness burns and may vary from brown or black to cherry-red or pearly-white; bullae may be present; can appear dry and leathery.

The nurse considers the impact of shearing forces in the development of pressure injuries in clients. Which client would be most likely to develop a pressure injury from shearing forces?

a client sitting in a chair who slides down >> Shear results when one layer of tissue slides over another layer. Shear separates the skin from underlying tissues. The small blood vessels and capillaries in the area are stretched and possibly tear, resulting in decreased circulation to the tissue cells under the skin. Clients who are pulled, rather than lifted, when being moved up in bed (or from bed to chair or stretcher) are at risk for injury from shearing forces. A client who is partially sitting up in bed is susceptible to shearing force when the skin sticks to the sheet and underlying tissues move downward with the body toward the foot of the bed. This may also occur in a client who sits in a chair but slides down. The client that is most likely to develop a pressure ulcer from shearing forces would be a client sitting in a chair who slides down.

A nursing student is providing a complete bed bath to a 60-year-old diabetic client. The student is conducting an assessment during the bath. The student observes a red, raised rash under the client's breasts. This manifestation is most consistent with:

a rash related to a yeast infection. >> Diaphoresis or inadequate drying after hygiene, especially in skin folds, can increase moisture and encourage the growth of yeast. In addition, the client's history of diabetes will increase the risk for the development of a yeast infection. The rash resulting from an allergic reaction would not likely be limited to the region beneath the breast. Immobility will not directly result in a rash.

An older adult client has been admitted to the hospital with dehydration, and the nurse has inserted a peripheral intravenous line into the client's forearm in order to facilitate rehydration. What type of dressing should the nurse apply over the client's venous access site?

a transparent film >> Transparent film dressings are semipermeable, waterproof, and adhesive, allowing visualization of the access site to aid assessment and protecting the site from microorganisms. Gauze dressings--precut, with an adherent coating, premedicated with antibiotics--do not allow the nurse to visualize the site without partially or completely removing the dressing.

A client's risk for the development of a pressure injury is most likely due to which lab result?

albumin 2.5 mg/dL >> An albumin level of less than 3.2 mg/dL indicates that the client is nutritionally at risk for the development of a pressure injury. A hemoglobin A1C level greater than 8% puts the client at risk for the development of pressure injuries due to a prolonged high glucose level. Glucose levels greater than 120 mg/dL are a risk factor for the development of pressure injuries. Sodium of 135 mEq/L is normal and would not put the client at risk for the development of a pressure injuries.

The nurse would recognize which client as being particularly susceptible to impaired wound healing?

an obese woman with a history of type 1 diabetes >> Obese people tend to be more vulnerable to skin irritation and injury. More significant, however, is the role of diabetes in creating both susceptibility to skin breakdown and impairment of the healing process. This is a greater risk factor for impaired healing than are smoking and sedentary lifestyle. Large incisions in and of themselves do not necessarily complicate the healing process. Short-term lack of food intake is not as significant as longer-term lack of nutrition.

A client recovering from abdominal surgery sneezes and then screams, "My insides are hanging out!" What is the initialnursing intervention?

applying sterile dressings with normal saline over the protruding organs and tissue >> The nurse will immediately apply sterile dressing moistened with normal saline over the protruding organs and tissue and call out for someone to contact the surgeon. While waiting for the surgeon, the nurse will continue to assess the area of evisceration and monitor the client's status.

The nurse is preparing to apply a roller bandage to a client with a sprained knee. Which technique does the nurse plan to use?

figure-of-eight turn >> A figure-of-eight turn is used for joints like the elbows and knees. The other answers are incorrect.

A nurse is caring for a postsurgical client with a Jackson-Pratt drain. Which type of wound drainage should the nurse report to the health care provider?

foul-smelling drainage that is grayish in color >> Purulent drainage is frequently foul-smelling and may vary in color; such drainage is associated with infection and should be reported to the health care provider. Clear, watery (serous), blood-tinged (serosanguineous), and bloody (sanguineous) drainage are not commonly indicative of infection and may be seen in the drain during various stages of wound healing.

What type of dressing has the advantage of remaining in place for three to seven days, resulting in less interference with wound healing?

hydrocolloid dressing >> Hydrocolloids are occlusive or semi-occlusive dressings that limit exchange of oxygen between wound and environment, provide minimal to moderate absorption of drainage, maintain a moist wound environment, and may be left in place for three to seven days, thus resulting in less interference with healing. Hydrogels maintain a moist wound environment and are best for partial or full-thickness wounds. Alginates absorb exudate and maintain a moist wound environment. They are best for wounds with heavy exudate. Transparent films allow exchange of oxygen between wound and environment. They are best for small partial-thickness wounds with minimal drainage.

A nurse is treating a client who has a wound with full-thickness tissue loss and edges that do not readily approximate. The nurse knows that the open wound will gradually fill with granulation tissue. Which type of wound healing is this?

secondary intention >> Healing by secondary intention occurs in wounds with edges that do not readily approximate. The wound gradually fills with granulation tissue, and eventually epithelial cells migrate across the granulation base. Wounds with minimal tissue loss, such as clean surgical incisions and shallow sutured wounds, heal by primary intention. The edges of the wound are approximated and the risk of infection is lower when a wound heals in this manner. Maturation is the final stage of full-thickness wound healing. Tertiary intention occurs when there is a delay between injury and wound closure. The delay may occur when a deep wound is not sutured immediately or is left open until no sign of infection is evident.

A nurse is documenting on a client who has had an appendectomy. During a dressing change of the surgical site, the nurse observed a watery pink drainage on the dressing. Which drainage type should the nurse document?

serosanguineous >> Serosanguineous drainage is a mixture of serum and red blood cells. It is usually pink. Serous drainage is a clear drainage consisting of the serous portion of the blood. Sanguineous drainage consists of red blood cells and looks like blood. Purulent drainage has various colors, such as green or yellow; this drainage indicates infection.

A nurse is assessing a client's surgical wound and sees drainage that is pale pink-yellow and thin and contains plasma and red cells. What is this type of drainage?

serosanguineous >> This describes serosanguineous wound drainage. Drainage that is pale yellow, watery, and like the fluid from a blister is called serous. Drainage that is bloody is called sanguineous. Drainage that contains white cells and microorganisms is called purulent.

The nurse is caring for a client with a sacral wound. Upon assessment, the wound is noted to have slough and a bad odor, and it extends into the muscle. How will the nurse categorize this pressure injury?

stage IV >> Stage IV pressure injuries are characterized as exposing muscle and bone and may have slough and a foul odor. Stage I pressure injuries are characterized by intact but reddened skin that is unblanchable. Stage II involves blistering or a skin tear. Stage III involves a shallow skin crater that extends to the subcutaneous tissue; it may have serous or purulent drainage.

A new mother is asking the nurse about care of her baby's skin. The nurse should instruct the mother:

to apply sunscreen when exposed to ultraviolet rays >> Sunscreen is necessary to protect against damage caused by ultraviolet rays.

The nurse is preparing to insert an IV for a client with dehydration. Which dressing supply will the nurse gather to take in the client's room?

transparent >> Transparent dressings are used to protect intravenous insertion sites. Adhesive strips with eyelets are used with gauze dressings to absorb blood or drainage. Hydrocolloid dressings are used to used keep a wound moist.

A nurse is caring for a 78-year-old client who was admitted after a femur fracture. The primary care provider placed the client on bed rest. Which action should the nurse perform to prevent a pressure injury?

use pillows to maintain a side-lying position as needed >> Using pillows to maintain a side-lying position allows the nursing staff to change position to alleviate and alternate pressure on client's bony prominences. The client's position should be changed a minimum of every 2 hours. In addition, incontinent care should be performed a minimum of every 2 hours and as needed to decrease moisture and irritation of the skin. A foot board prevents foot drop but does not decrease the risk for pressure injury.