A nurse is caring for a client after joint replacement surgery. What action by the nurse is most important to prevent wound infection?
a. Assess the client's white blood cell count.
b. Culture any drainage from the wound.
c. Monitor the client's temperature every 4 hours.
d. Use aseptic technique for dressing changes.
ANS: D
Preventing surgical wound infection is a primary responsibility of the nurse, who must use aseptic technique to change dressings or empty drains. The other actions do not prevent infection but can lead to early detection of an infection that is already present.
You might also like to view...
A manager is counseling a nurse who has violated safety protocols several times. The most appropriate action by the manager is to
a. allow the nurse to continue working only under direct supervision. b. have the nurse prepare an educational in-service on safety protocols. c. maintain a confidential file on the nurse's actions and outcomes. d. report the behavior to the state board of nursing for discipline.
In evaluating dietary teaching for a client with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, the nurse becomes concerned when the client makes which food choice?
a. Fruit salad b. Applesauce c. Steamed broccoli d. Baked potato
The nurse should notify the care provider when umbilical cord assessment immediately following delivery reveals:
A) the umbilical cord is clamped one inch from the abdomen. B) the umbilical cord contains one artery. C) the umbilical cord appears moist and rubbery. D) the umbilical cord is pulsating.
The essential characteristics of dementia include multiple cognitive deficits, including impairment of memory and at least one other. Which of the following other criteria must be met for the diagnosis of dementia?
a. severe loss of sleep b. poor judgment c. disturbance and decline in everyday functioning d. agitation and aggression toward caregivers