Question

A home health nurse is reviewing the medical record of a ct who had an open reduction internal fixation of the tibia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for impaired wound healing?

a) Adequate nutritional status

b) Young age

c) Controlled diabetes mellitus

d) Smoking history

Answer 1

Smoking history is a risk factor for impaired wound healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify d) smoking history as a risk factor for impaired wound healing in a patient who had an open reduction internal fixation of the tibia. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, impairs immune function, and delays the healing process. It increases the risk of infection, inflammation, and complications during the wound healing process.