Question

A client is transferred to the surgical floor post-operatively after a colon resection. What priority outcome should the nurse add to the plan of care for this client?

a. The client's temperature will range from 96.8-100.1 in the first three hours post surgery.
b. The client's pain level will range from 0/10-4/10 in the first five hours post surgery.
c. The client's BP will range from 120/50-140/84 in the first three hours post surgery.
d. The client's dressing will remain dry and intact in the first six hours post surgery.

Answer 1

The priority outcome after a colon resection is to keep the client's surgical dressing dry and intact to prevent infection and secure the surgical site, ensuring proper recovery and care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority outcome for a client transferred to the surgical floor post-operatively after a colon resection would be option d. The client's dressing will remain dry and intact in the first six hours post surgery. It is crucial to ensure that the surgical site is not compromised, as this could be indicative of bleeding or an infectious process. Vital signs such as temperature, pain, and blood pressure are all important to monitor, but the integrity of the dressing is an immediate concern that could require rapid intervention if compromised.

Surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professionals work together post-operatively with a focus on confirmation of sterility, equipment availability, and monitoring for any signs of infection or complications. Keeping the dressing dry and intact helps prevent potential infections and secures the surgical site, contributing to proper recovery and care of the patient.