When teaching about wound care in the home environment, the nurse instructs the client and caregiver to:

Question

A. Make normal saline with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 quart of boiling water
B. Use normal saline for 1 week and then discard it
C. Always apply topical anesthetics before wound care
D. Call the physician's office to have someone come to the home and complete the wound care

Answer 1

A
A. Teach client and caregiver how to make normal saline, especially if cost is an issue. Normal saline can be made by using 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 L (1 quart) of boiling water.
B. Tell client and caregiver that because normal saline has no preservatives, the bottle should be labeled with day and time, and it should be thrown out 24 to 48 hours after it is first opened or made.
C. Topical anesthetics are used in some cases, not always.
D. Home care referral may be made by the health care provider if the client and family are unable to perform adequate wound care.