23. An RN observes a nursing student collecting a wound culture specimen from a client's surgical site. The RN determines that the nursing student is using the correct technique when:
23. An RN observes a nursing student collecting a wound culture specimen from a client's surgical site. The RN determines that the nursing student is using the correct technique when:
. The wound is irrigated before collecting the specimen.
. The wound is swabbed from the center outward.
. The dry, crusty area around the wound is swabbed.
. Drainage from the dressing is swabbed.
Test-Taking Tip
Visualize each option and select the one that will collect only organisms in the wound for the culture specimen.
Content Area: Adult Health, Integumentary; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Evaluation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Diagnostic Tests
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Answer 1 is incorrect because irrigation will wash away any organisms that might be present. Answer 2 is correct because rolling the swab from the center of the wound to the outside of the wound is the correct technique. Organisms that have colonized the wound directly will be collected by this technique. Answer 3 is incorrect because there may be organisms on the outside of the wound that have not affected the wound. Answer 4 is incorrect because a swab from the dressing does not reflect what is actually present in the wound.