Question 1
The male client diagnosed with a stage 4 pressure ulcer on the coccyx area is being treated with an autolytic medication for debridement and an occlusive dressing. The wife asks about a foul odor. Which statement is the nurse's best response?
- A. I will contact your husband's doctor when he makes rounds.'
- B. The odor is secondary to an infection and he is taking antibiotics.'
- C. The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.'
- D. I am sorry the odor bothers you. We will bathe your husband.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.'
The correct answer is C: 'The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.' The rationale is that in the scenario provided, the male client is being treated with an occlusive dressing for the pressure ulcer. Occlusive dressings can sometimes lead to a foul odor due to the accumulation of exudate and bacteria under the dressing, which is a normal part of the healing process. The nurse's response should reassure the wife that the odor is expected and not necessarily indicative of an infection. Option A: 'I will contact your husband's doctor when he makes rounds.' This response does not address the wife's concern about the foul odor and delays providing necessary information. Option B: 'The odor is secondary to an infection and he is taking antibiotics.' This response assumes an infection without proper assessment and may mislead the wife about the cause of the odor. Option D: 'I am sorry the odor bothers you. We will bathe your husband.' This response does not address the underlying cause