A wound culture is ordered because infection is suspected. Which action should the nurse take before collecting the specimen?

Correct answer: A. Cleanse the wound as prescribed and collect from viable tissue

  • A. Cleanse the wound as prescribed and collect from viable tissue
  • B. Apply antibiotic ointment and collect from the old dressing
  • C. Collect drainage from the surrounding intact skin
  • D. Start the prescribed antibiotic and collect the sample later

Explanation

The wound is cleansed first, and the specimen is collected from viable tissue or fresh drainage according to local policy. Sampling an old dressing or intact surrounding skin can produce misleading results. When possible, collection should occur before antibiotics are started.

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About Wound Care and Dressings

Wound care covers wound classification, healing stages, assessment of tissue and drainage, pain, infection signs, dressing selection and clean or sterile dressing technique. It also includes pressure injuries by stage and the factors affecting healing, such as nutrition, circulation, diabetes, infection and prolonged pressure.

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