Question

The nurse is evaluating the outcome of a patient provided with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for pressure ulcers. Which nursing action is appropriate for determining the patient's level of comfort while providing the treatment?

1 Determining the drainage and odor of the wound
2 Verifying proper negative-pressure in the patient's wound
3 Asking the patient to rate the pain using a scale of 0 to 10
4 Comparing the wound size with a baseline wound assessment

Answer 1

The appropriate nursing action for determining the patient's level of comfort while providing negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for pressure ulcers is asking the patient to rate the pain using a scale of 0 to 10.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate nursing action for determining the patient's level of comfort while providing negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for pressure ulcers is asking the patient to rate the pain using a scale of 0 to 10. This is because comfort is subjective and can vary from person to person. By asking the patient to rate their pain, the nurse can get a better understanding of their level of comfort and make adjustments to the treatment if necessary.

Other actions listed are important for evaluating the outcome of the NPWT, but they might not directly reflect the patient's level of comfort. Determining the drainage and odor of the wound helps assess the progress of the healing process. Verifying proper negative-pressure ensures that the therapy is being delivered effectively. Comparing the wound size with a baseline assessment helps track the improvement or deterioration of the wound.