Question

A nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with multiple wounds sustained in a motor-vehicle crash. Understanding the patient's specific needs during this initial stage of wound healing, the nurse should incorporate which of the following into the patient's plan of care to prevent a prolongation of this phase?

A) Applying pressure dressings
B) Keeping the wound moist
C) Administering antibiotics
D) Regularly changing dressings

Answer 1

During the initial stage of wound healing, it is important to keep the wound moist to prevent prolongation of this phase. Applying pressure dressings, administering antibiotics, or regularly changing dressings are not necessary preventive measures.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the initial stage of wound healing, the nurse should incorporate keeping the wound moist into the patient's plan of care to prevent prolongation of this phase. Keeping the wound moist helps create an optimal environment for healing by promoting reepithelialization and preventing the formation of scabs. Additionally, it helps to prevent the wound from drying out and becoming more susceptible to infection.

Applying pressure dressings can also be beneficial in certain situations, especially to control bleeding and prevent the formation of excessive hematoma or seroma. Administering antibiotics may be necessary if there is evidence of infection, but it is not a routine preventive measure during the initial stage of wound healing. Regularly changing dressings may disrupt the healing process and delay wound closure.