Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
For a wound that has been present for more than a week and is showing signs of infection, what should be done next?
Apply a new dressing regularly.
Start wound debridement.
Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Assess for underlying causes.
The correct answer is: Apply a new dressing regularly.
In the case of a wound that has been present for more than a week and is showing signs of infection, the best next step to consider is the application of a new dressing regularly. This approach helps in managing the wound environment, promoting healing, and preventing further contamination. Regular dressing changes are essential in both assessing the wound's condition and providing a barrier against external pathogens. It is critical to maintain a clean and properly moistened wound bed, which can support healing and protect against further infection. While addressing infection is crucial, applying a dressing allows for continued assessment of the wound, which might lead to more targeted interventions later. It balances the immediate need to manage the current state of the wound while keeping options open for further steps depending on the evolving clinical picture. Dressing changes should be frequent enough to ensure that any excessive exudate or necrotic tissue is controlled, which can contribute to the infection. The other options present different interventions. Starting wound debridement may be necessary in cases of significant necrotic tissue but typically follows a thorough assessment which includes dressing management. Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotics is likely indicated when a systemic infection is present, but identifying the need often relies on the results of a more comprehensive evaluation. Assessing underlying causes is