Final answer:
The most important action the nurse should take when preparing a sitz bath for a client post-surgery is to maintain the water temperature at around 100°F, as this helps in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When preparing to give a sitz bath to a client after perianal surgery, the nurse should primarily maintain the temperature of the water at about 100°F (37.8°C). A sitz bath is intended to provide cleanliness and comfort, reduce inflammation, and promote healing after surgery or childbirth. While monitoring for signs of rapid pulse and facial pallor may be important to assess for potential hypovolemic reactions, ensuring the correct temperature is essential to avoid burns or further irritation to the sensitive area. The duration of the bath is usually recommended to be around 15 to 20 minutes, not about an hour, to prevent the skin from becoming too soggy, which could lead to breakdown. Keeping the feet and torso uncovered is not a primary concern, as the focus should be on creating a warm and soothing environment for the perianal area to facilitate healing.