The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client recovering from

The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client recovering from surgery. What instruction is the most important for the nurse to give this client who has a surgical wound?

1. Adjust the diet so it contains more fruits and vegetables.
2. Apply lubricating lotion to the edges of the wound.
3. Notify the physician of any edema, heat, or tenderness at the wound site.
4. Thoroughly irrigate the wound with hydrogen peroxide.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables would increase vitamin C, which helps with wound healing, but more protein would be the best choice.
Rationale 2: Applying lubricating lotion to the edges of a wound would impede the healing process.
Rationale 3: A client being discharged with an open surgical wound has to be instructed on the detection of infection because the skin is the first line of defense. Signs such as edema, heat, and tenderness would indicate a local infection.
Rationale 4: Irrigating with hydrogen peroxide would break down good granulating tissue, so this would not increase healing.