Question

A nurse is measuring the wound of a stab victim by moistening a sterile, flexible applicator with saline, then inserting it gently into the wound at a 90-degree angle. The nurse then marks the point where the applicator is even with the skin, removes the applicator and measures with a ruler. What wound measurement is determined by this method?

A) Width
B) Length
C) Depth
D) Surface area

Answer 1

The wound measurement determined by inserting a sterile applicator at a 90-degree angle to the wound and then marking it even with the skin is the depth of the wound.

Step-by-step explanation:

The wound measurement that is determined by the method of moistening a sterile, flexible applicator with saline, inserting it gently into the wound at a 90-degree angle, marking the point where the applicator is even with the skin, removing the applicator, and measuring with a ruler is the depth of the wound (Option C). This is a common practice in health care to assess the severity of a wound like a stab wound and to determine the appropriate treatment or intervention required. Proper wound measurement is crucial for monitoring progress in healing and identifying potential complications.