Final answer:
The second nurse arriving at the patient's home should proceed to irrigate the wound as per the documented order by the RN, following the established care plan for the home care patient. Any uncertainty or changes in the patient's condition should prompt the nurse to seek further advice from the case manager or physician.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second nurse should irrigate the wound as instructed in the original order from the RN, assuming that the order is documented and within the scope of the nursing practice. It is part of the continuity of care for home care patients to follow the established care plan unless there is a change in the patient's condition or new orders are given by a healthcare provider. Good nursing practice requires the nurse to review the care plan and previous nursing notes before providing care, and if the wound irrigation is documented as part of the plan, the nurse should proceed with the irrigation. If there is any uncertainty or a change in the patient's condition, the nurse should then consult with the case manager or physician as needed.