Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Wound Care Related

Review Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Wound Care related questions and content

A patient returns from surgery with a left shoulder dressing. A 3-inch diameter spot of red drainage is visible on the anterior portion of the dressing. The health-care provider does not want the dressing disturbed for 24 hours. What will you do?

  • A. Call the health-care provider to report the drainage and request a change in orders
  • B. Reinforce the dressing by adding several gauze 4x4s over the area
  • C. Draw a line on the dressing outlining the drainage, with the date, time, and your initials
  • D. Document the drainage in the chart and observe for further drainage over the next several hours
Correct Answer: C,D

Rationale: Outlining and documenting the drainage allows monitoring for expansion without disturbing the dressing, per provider orders.