Question

When assessing a patient's surgical dressing on the first postoperative day, the nurse notes new, bright-red drainage about 5 cm in diameter. What is the priority action by the nurse?

a. Recheck in 1 hour for increased drainage.
b. Notify the surgeon of a potential hemorrhage.
c. Assess the patient's blood pressure and heart rate.
d. Remove the dressing and assess the surgical incision.

Answer 1

The nurse's priority action should be to notify the surgeon of potential hemorrhage when observing new, bright-red drainage on a surgical dressing, and to also assess the patient's blood pressure and heart rate for changes in their condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a patient's surgical dressing on the first postoperative day and noting new, bright-red drainage about 5 cm in diameter, the priority action by the nurse should be to notify the surgeon of a potential hemorrhage. This is critical as it may indicate a serious issue such as a bleeding complication, which needs immediate attention. In the meantime, the nurse should also assess the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, to monitor the patient's hemodynamic status and to provide appropriate information when reporting to the surgeon. This aligns with the clinical focus of ensuring patient safety by promptly addressing potential complications and working closely within the healthcare team to provide quality postoperative care.