The nursing instructor is with a student nurse who 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 is the best statement for completing this task?
A) "The dressing change is often painful, and 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, and 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, and 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: When having dressings changed, the patient needs to be informed that the dressing change is a simple procedure with little discomfort, privacy will be provided, and the patient 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 good preventive measure. Option C is incorrect; telling the patient that the dressing change "should not be painful, but you can never be sure, and 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 changes is when it is most convenient for the patient; nutrition is important so interrupting lunch is probably a poor choice.
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