PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What should a nurse do when caring for a client with a portable wound bulb suction device?

1. Fill the bulb reservoir with 0.9% sodium chloride.

2. Prepare for the drain to be removed after 24 hr.

3. Cut a slit in a gauze sponge and apply it around the tubing insertion site.

4. Compress the bulb reservoir and then close the drainage valve.

The correct answer is: Compress the bulb reservoir and then close the drainage valve.

When caring for a client with a portable wound bulb suction device, the correct action is to compress the bulb reservoir and then close the drainage valve. This step is crucial because it ensures that the suction is effectively generated to help remove fluid from the wound area and promote healing. The negated pressure inside the bulb reservoir creates the necessary suction to draw fluid into the bulb, allowing for optimal drainage and monitoring of the wound's response to treatment. Maintaining effective suction is important for reducing the risk of complications, such as hematomas or seromas, which can occur if the drainage is insufficient. Properly managing the suction device involves understanding the mechanism behind its operation and ensuring that both the compression of the bulb and the closure of the drainage valve are performed correctly. Other actions, such as filling the bulb reservoir with sodium chloride or preparing for the drain's removal after a fixed time, do not align with the standard management of wound suction devices, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the drainage system. Additionally, cutting a slit in a gauze sponge around the tubing insertion site is not a standard practice and could potentially compromise the integrity of the site or lead to contamination.