Question

A client has multiple areas of bleeding underneath the epidermal layer of the skin caused by broken blood vessels. Which actions should the nurse prepare to provide to this client?

1) Cover areas with sterile, absorptive bandages
2) Assist with debridement
3) Administer analgesics as prescribed
4) Apply soothing lotions to affected areas
5) Apply ice to the areas

Answer 1

A nurse should cover areas of skin bleeding with sterile bandages, administer analgesics as prescribed, and apply ice to reduce swelling and pain. Debridement and lotion application may not be immediately necessary and depend on wound healing stages and specific wounds' conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client has multiple areas of bleeding underneath the epidermal layer of the skin caused by broken blood vessels, a nurse should be prepared to provide several interventions to assist with healing and comfort. The appropriate actions include:

1. Covering the areas with sterile, absorptive bandages to protect the wounds and help absorb any excess blood and exudate which can help facilitate the healing process and prevent infection.

1. Administering analgesics as prescribed by a healthcare provider to manage pain associated with the injury, as the process of healing can be quite uncomfortable.

1. Applying ice to the areas can help with pain relief and reduce swelling by constricting the blood vessels and minimizing further bleeding.

Assisting with debridement and applying soothing lotions may not be immediately relevant, as these actions would depend on the stage of healing or if the affected skin areas have progressed to open wounds requiring such interventions.

It's crucial for a nurse to also monitor the wounds for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, and pain, and to follow up with appropriate wound care as guided by the healthcare team.