What is the nurse's role if a CNA reports a dehiscence?

What is the nurse's role if a CNA reports a dehiscence?

• A. Leave the wound exposed
• B. Initiate further assessment and treatment
• C. Check if the patient can walk
• D. Wait for the next scheduled evaluation

Answer: (B)

When a CNA reports a dehiscence, which is the separation of a surgical wound, the nurse's primary responsibility is to initiate further assessment and treatment. Immediate action is crucial in this scenario because a dehiscence can lead to serious complications, such as infection or evisceration (when internal organs protrude through the open wound). The nurse must first assess the wound to determine the extent of the dehiscence, observe for any signs of infection, and evaluate the patient's overall condition. This may involve checking vital signs, the appearance of the wound, and the patient's level of comfort. Following the assessment, appropriate interventions can be provided, which may include dressing the wound, notifying the physician, or providing further support to the patient. Taking prompt action in cases of dehiscence is critical to maintaining patient safety and ensuring the best possible outcomes. The choice to check if the patient can walk, leave the wound exposed, or wait for the next scheduled evaluation does not address the urgent nature of the situation and could potentially compromise the patient's health.

When a CNA reports a dehiscence, which is the separation of a surgical wound, the nurse's primary responsibility is to initiate further assessment and treatment. Immediate action is crucial in this scenario because a dehiscence can lead to serious complications, such as infection or evisceration (when internal organs protrude through the open wound).

The nurse must first assess the wound to determine the extent of the dehiscence, observe for any signs of infection, and evaluate the patient's overall condition. This may involve checking vital signs, the appearance of the wound, and the patient's level of comfort. Following the assessment, appropriate interventions can be provided, which may include dressing the wound, notifying the physician, or providing further support to the patient.

Taking prompt action in cases of dehiscence is critical to maintaining patient safety and ensuring the best possible outcomes. The choice to check if the patient can walk, leave the wound exposed, or wait for the next scheduled evaluation does not address the urgent nature of the situation and could potentially compromise the patient's health.