What instruction should the nurse provide for the aftercare of a skin biopsy?

What instruction should the nurse provide for the aftercare of a skin biopsy?

• A. Apply heat to the area to improve circulation
• B. Keep the bandage on for the first 48 hours
• C. Monitor for excessive bleeding or infection signs
• D. Use topical ointment daily until healed

Answer: (C)

Monitoring for excessive bleeding or signs of infection is crucial after a skin biopsy because it helps ensure the proper healing of the site and the early detection of complications. After the procedure, the area might be vulnerable to bleeding as well as to bacterial infection. Vigilantly observing for these signs allows for timely medical intervention if a problem arises, which is essential to prevent further complications and promote healing. The importance of this care instruction lies in the fact that the nurse's role is to educate patients about potential issues that could arise after a procedure and to empower them to identify these problems early. Recognizing symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, unusual drainage, or persistent bleeding enables patients to seek prompt medical advice, aiding in better recovery outcomes and reducing the risk of more severe health problems. This proactive approach to monitoring post-biopsy conditions is therefore a key aspect of patient education and aftercare management.

Monitoring for excessive bleeding or signs of infection is crucial after a skin biopsy because it helps ensure the proper healing of the site and the early detection of complications. After the procedure, the area might be vulnerable to bleeding as well as to bacterial infection. Vigilantly observing for these signs allows for timely medical intervention if a problem arises, which is essential to prevent further complications and promote healing.

The importance of this care instruction lies in the fact that the nurse's role is to educate patients about potential issues that could arise after a procedure and to empower them to identify these problems early. Recognizing symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, unusual drainage, or persistent bleeding enables patients to seek prompt medical advice, aiding in better recovery outcomes and reducing the risk of more severe health problems. This proactive approach to monitoring post-biopsy conditions is therefore a key aspect of patient education and aftercare management.