Final answer:
The priority nursing intervention after an escharotomy of the forearm is to assess and ensure tissue perfusion. This involves monitoring blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues through vital signs, color and temperature assessment, and capillary refill evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing intervention after a client returns from an escharotomy of the forearm is to assess and ensure tissue perfusion. Tissue perfusion refers to the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Monitoring tissue perfusion is crucial to ensure adequate healing and prevent complications such as tissue necrosis or impaired wound healing. Nurses can assess tissue perfusion by monitoring vital signs, checking the color and temperature of the affected area, and evaluating capillary refill.
Infection prevention is also important, but it is not the priority in this case since the client has already undergone a surgical procedure. Incision refers to the surgical wound itself, which will be assessed as part of the overall monitoring of tissue perfusion. Pain management is essential but not the priority immediately after the escharotomy.