A patient returns to the intensive care unit following the surgical closure of a dehisced sternal wound. By which of the following methods does the nurse expect the patient's wound to heal?

1. primary intention
2. secondary intention
3. tertiary intention
4. recurrent surgical debridement


2

Rationale: Wounds that heal by secondary intention include open abdominal wounds, dehisced sternal wounds, and stage III and IV pressure ulcers. Wounds healing by primary intention tend to have minimal tissue loss, with skin edges being well approximated. Tertiary intention combines primary and secondary intention, often requiring the wound to be left open for a period of time, such as a few days. The sternal wound has been surgically closed. Although future surgical debridement may be necessary, it is not an expected plan of care.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The client tells the nurse, "The world will end tonight at midnight. Armageddon is upon us!" Which type of delusion is this?

1. Religious 2. Grandiose 3. Nihilistic 4. Persecutory

Nursing

When assisting the health care provider to perform a lumbar puncture, the nurse would place the client in which position?

a. dorsal recumbent c. prone b. lithotomy d. side-lying, knee-chest

Nursing

To have Lyme disease, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Nursing

How does the body respond physically to stress?

a. Decreased heart rate b. Decreased production of digestive enzymes c. Decreased blood glucose levels d. Decreased blood pressure

Nursing