Author Question: The nurse prepares to irrigate the client's wound. What is the primary purpose of this procedure? ... (Read 122 times)

londonang · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse prepares to irrigate the client's wound. What is the primary purpose of this procedure?

a. To decrease scar formation
b. To cleanse the wound and remove bacteria
c. To improve circulation from the wound
d. To decrease irritation from wound drainage

Question 2

The patient will have an incision in the lower left abdomen. Which of the following measures by the nurse will help decrease discomfort in the incisional area when the patient coughs postoperatively?

a. Applying a splint directly over the lower abdomen
b. Keeping the patient flat with feet flexed
c. Turning the patient onto the right side
d. Applying pressure above and below the incision

alexanderhamilton · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Irrigation is a common method of delivering the wound cleansing solution to the wound. Studies have shown that there is an optimal effective range of irrigation pressures that ensure adequate removal of bacteria.
The primary purpose of wound irrigation is not to decrease scar formation.
The primary reason for irrigating a client's wound is not to improve circulation, but to remove debris from the wound.
The primary reason for irrigating a client's wound is not to decrease irritation from wound drainage, but to remove debris from the wound.

Answer to Question 2

A

Feedback
A Deep breathing and coughing exercises place additional stress on the suture line and cause discomfort. Splinting the incision with hands or a pillow provides firm support and reduces incisional pulling.
B Keeping the patient flat will not decrease discomfort in the incisional area when the patient coughs. Having the patient bend his or her knees slightly will aid in relaxing the abdominal muscles, causing less discomfort.
C Turning the patient onto the right side will not decrease discomfort in the incisional area when the patient coughs. The patient should turn from side to side at least every two hours and may splint the incision to decrease discomfort when doing so.
D Applying pressure above and below the incision is not the correct measure. Splinting should be done directly over the incision to provide firm support and reduce incisional pulling as the patient coughs postoperatively.