Question

During a home visit, the nurse suspects that a client with an alteration in skin integrity requires additional information about the disorder. Which behaviors did the nurse observe to come to this conclusion?

1) Applied a bandage over paper cut before preparing food
2) Washed hands 4 times in 1 hour
3) Kept wound on left forearm open to air
4) Applied moisturizer after washing hands
5) Used daughter's brush to fix hair

Answer 1

Monitoring for redness, swelling, and pain after treating a wound is critical to detect and treat possible infections early. Strict handwashing and hygiene practices are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of pathogens and ensure patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important to watch for increased redness, swelling, and pain after a cut or abrasion has been cleaned and bandaged because these are signs of a possible infection. An infection can lead to more serious conditions like necrotizing fasciitis if left untreated. Proper handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of infections and is particularly important for healthcare workers to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Observing a wound's healing process helps in early detection and treatment of infections. Medical professionals follow strict hygiene protocols, including rigorous handwashing before and after treating a wound, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Infections such as those caused by bacteria can be aggressive, and early medical intervention is crucial.