A burn patient returns from surgery with an autograft on the left elbow. Which of the following steps should the nurse take to improve skin graft outcomes?

Immobilization of the left arm

Explanation

• Skin graft sites should be immobilized to promote adherence and healing for the first 3-7 days

• After skin graft adherence is accomplished, range of motion and physicial therapy is needed to prevent contractures

• Ambulation and incentive spirometry will improve patient outcomes, but will have no effect on skin graft adherence

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