Which actions does the nurse take to obtain a sample for culture from the third degree burn wound that appears to be infected? Select all that apply.

Cleanse the wound with normal saline before collecting the sample , Swab the healthiest looking part of the wound , Apply enough pressure to express and obtain fluid from the wound. According to the Levine Quantitative Swab Technique, the wound should be rinsed with sterile saline and patted dry with sterile gauze. No eschar, devitalized tissue, dried exudate, or necrotic tissue should be part of the sample. The area should be debrided (with saline and gauze) but do not use antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide, which may give a false negative result. The healthiest part of the wound should be targeted. Press the swab with just enough pressure to express and collect fluid, but try to avoid causing pain. Some argue for making a zig-zag pattern. A minimum of 1 square centimeter should be sampled. Others suggest swabbing from margin to margin (not periwound area). The swab should only touch the wound to be sampled and nothing else.

Which actions does the nurse take to obtain a sample for culture ...

Category: Safety and Infection Control
Difficulty: 8

Topics: Assessment Infection Inflammation Laboratory Studies Tissue Integrity

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