Question

Before irrigating a patient's wound, the nurse notes the number and types of drains present. What is the rationale behind this?

1 To determine if the wound is necrotic
2 To determine the volume of the irrigating fluid needed
3 To identify the type and number of the dressings required
4 To determine the type of irrigation solution to use
5 Facilitate safe dressing removal

Answer 1

The nurse notes the number and types of drains before irrigating a patient's wound to determine the volume of irrigating fluid needed and to facilitate safe dressing removal (Options 2 and 5).

Step-by-step explanation:

Before irrigating a patient's wound, the nurse notes the number and types of drains present because it helps to determine the volume of the irrigating fluid needed.

This is critical to ensure that enough fluid is used to thoroughly clean the wound without over-saturating it, which could lead to complications.

Moreover, knowing the number and types of drains informs the nurse of the wound's drainage pattern, aiding in the assessment of the healing process.

In cases of infections like necrotizing fasciitis, where surgical debridement and wound management are essential, accurate wound irrigation is crucial.

It is also necessary for facilitating safe dressing removal and avoiding disruptions to the healing site.

Hence, the correct answers are Options 2 and 5.