Question

you are caring for a client who had surgery 48 hours ago. during dressing change you note the surgical site appears red, swollen, tender to touch with purulent discharge. most recent results show elevation of WBC's. which of the following should be a priority intervention by the nurse?

Answer 1

The priority intervention by the nurse should be notifying the physician about the client's symptoms and potential surgical site infection. The nurse should also assess vital signs and continue with proper wound care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should prioritize notifying the physician about the client's symptoms. The redness, swelling, tenderness, purulent discharge, and elevation of white blood cells (WBCs) indicate a potential surgical site infection.

The nurse should also assess the client's vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as monitor for any signs of systemic infection, such as fever, chills, and malaise.

In addition, the nurse should continue with proper wound care, ensuring the wound is cleaned and dressed appropriately to prevent further infection.