A nurse is caring for a client with a nonhealing arterial lower leg ulcer. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Consult with the Wound Ostomy Care Nurse.
b. Give pain medication prior to dressing changes.
c. Maintain sterile technique for dressing changes.
d. Prepare the client for eventual amputation.
ANS: A
A nonhealing wound needs the expertise of the Wound Ostomy Care Nurse (or Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse). Premedicating prior to painful procedures and maintaining sterile technique are helpful, but if the wound is not healing, more needs to be done. The client may need an amputation, but other options need to be tried first.
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