Postoperative Phase
Postoperative Phase ( 9 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy. The nurse observes that the client has a low-grade fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and lower abdominal tenderness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
The client has signs of a possible infection, such as low-grade fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and lower abdominal tenderness. These are complications of hysterectomy that require immediate attention from the provider. The provider may order further tests, such as a wound culture or blood tests, and prescribe antibiotics or other treatments. Therefore, notifying the provider is the first action the nurse should take.
Obtaining a wound culture from the surgical site may be necessary to identify the type of infection and the appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first notify the provider of the findings and follow their orders.
Administering an antibiotic as ordered may help treat the infection and reduce the risk of further complications. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first notify the provider of the findings and obtain a wound culture if ordered to determine the best antibiotic for the client.
Increasing the frequency of perineal care may help prevent or reduce infection by keeping the area clean and dry. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first notify the provider of the findings and administer an antibiotic as ordered to treat the infection.
Choice A reason:
The client has signs of a possible infection, such as low-grade fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and lower abdominal tenderness. These are complications of hysterectomy that require immediate attention from the provider. The provider may order further tests, such as a wound culture or blood tests, and prescribe antibiotics or other treatments. Therefore, notifying the provider is the first action the nurse should take.
Choice B reason:
Obtaining a wound culture from the surgical site may be necessary to identify the type of infection and the appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first notify the provider of the findings and follow their orders.
Choice C reason:
Administering an antibiotic as ordered may help treat the infection and reduce the risk of further complications. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first notify the provider of the findings and obtain a wound culture if ordered to determine the best antibiotic for the client.
Choice D reason:
Increasing the frequency of perineal care may help prevent or reduce infection by keeping the area clean and dry. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first notify the provider of the findings and administer an antibiotic as ordered to treat the infection.