A student nurse is going to be changing an abdominal dressing; the first step is to provide the patient with information regarding the procedure. Which of the following represents the best plan for completing this task?
A) "The dressing change is often painful; we will be giving you pain medication prior to the procedure so you do not have to worry."
B) "During the dressing change, I will provide privacy at a time of your choosing; it should not be painful. You can look at the incision and help with the procedure if you want to."
C) "The dressing change should not be painful but you can never be sure; infection is always a concern."
D) "The best time for doing a dressing change is during lunch so we are not interrupted; I will provide privacy, and it should not be painful."
Ans: B
Feedback: The patient needs to be informed that changing dressings is a simple procedure with little discomfort, privacy will be provided, and he is free to look at the incision or even assist in the dressing change itself. If the patient decides to look at the incision, assurance is given that the incision will shrink as it heals and that the redness will likely fade. Option A is incorrect; dressing changes should not be painful, but giving pain medication prior to the procedure is always a good preventative measure. Option C is incorrect. Telling the patient that the dressing change should "not be painful but you can never be sure; infection is always a concern" does not offer the patient any real information or options and serves only to create fear. Option D is incorrect; the best time for dressing change is when it is most convenient for the patient. Nutrition is important, but interrupting lunch is probably a poor choice.
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