Final answer:
The nurse's priority action when a client experiences oozing from a wound is to assess the characteristics of the drainage to determine the cause and inform further treatment steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client states that he has been experiencing oozing from his wound, the nurse's priority action should be to assess the characteristics of the drainage. This assessment helps to determine the potential cause of the drainage, such as infection or other complications. In a clinical focus scenario, the nurse might observe if the wound is purulent, which could indicate a bacterial infection; if it is, collecting a sample for laboratory analysis may be necessary. Furthermore, observing rapid progression of symptoms, as in the case of necrotizing fasciitis, is critical for immediate treatment. By assessing the drainage, the nurse can make informed decisions about subsequent steps, which may include notifying the physician, changing the dressing, or applying the prescribed treatment.