Question

The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a family member who will be caring for a client with an abdominal incision. Which concept should be the priority in the teaching plan?

A.) hand washing
B.) sterile technique
C.) putting on gloves
D.) signs of healing

Answer 1

The primary concept in the teaching plan for caring for a client with an abdominal incision should be hand washing, as it is crucial for preventing infection and maintaining a clean environment around the surgical site.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing discharge instructions for a family member caring for a client with an abdominal incision, the priority concept in the teaching plan should be hand washing. This is essential because proper hand hygiene is the most effective means to prevent infection by pathogens. Handwashing is especially critical in a clinical setting to prevent the transfer of microbes that could infect surgical wounds, as suggested by historical figures such as Ignaz Semmelweis and Joseph Lister, who emphasized the importance of cleanliness in medical procedures. The family member should be informed about the five steps recommended by the CDC, which include using soap and warm running water, and this procedure should be strictly adhered to before and after coming into contact with the client's incision site. While sterile technique and the use of gloves are also important, they generally support the primary objective of maintaining a clean environment free from potential infections.