Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an order to change a dressing twice a day, at 0600 and 1800. At 1400, the nurse notices that the dressing is saturated and leaking. What is the nurse's next action?

a. Wait and change the dressing at 1800 as ordered.
b. Revise the plan of care and change the dressing now.
c. Reassess the dressing and the wound in 2 hours.
d. Discontinue the plan of care for wound care.

Answer 1

The nurse should revise the plan of care and change the dressing immediately upon noticing it is saturated and leaking.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse notices that the dressing is saturated and leaking before the scheduled change, the nurse should revise the plan of care and change the dressing immediately. An assessment must be made to ensure that the wound care meets the patient's needs, which includes addressing any potential complications such as infections or deterioration of the wound. It is essential to maintain a clean and adequately dressed wound to prevent infection and promote healing. Hence, waiting until the scheduled time could be detrimental to the patient's health.