The patient underwent a surgical procedure,and povidone-iodine (Betadine) was utilized in the surgical preparation.Two days postoperatively,the nurse's assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small amount of purulent drainage.The patient reports tenderness at the incision site.The patient's temperature is 38.1°C (100.5°F) and the white blood cell count (WBC) is 10,500/mm³ (10.5 × 10?/L) .Which nursing action should the nurse take?

A) Plan to change the surgical dressing during the shift.
B) Check to see what solution was used for skin preparation in surgery.
C) Collect supplies to culture the surgical incision.
D) Communicate the patient's condition to the health care provider.

Question

Mary Jane Diehl · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Organisms enter the body in several different ways.Proper skin preparation for surgery is essential for decreasing the chance of infection.The nursing assessment indicates signs and symptoms of infection,and the health care provider should be notified.Changing the dressing may be a need during the shift but is not a first priority.Checking to see about the skin preparation used 2 days ago may or may not be useful information at this time.Collecting supplies for culture may be necessary after the nurse talks to the physician.

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