The nurse is caring for a patient the first postoperative day following a laparotomy for a small bowel obstruction. The nurse notices new bright-red drainage about 5 cm in diameter on the dressing. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

New bright-red drainage may indicate hemorrhage,and the nurse should initially assess the patient's vital signs for tachycardia and hypotension. The surgeon should then be notified of the drainage and the vital signs. The dressing may be changed or reinforced,based on the surgeon's orders or agency policy. The nurse should not wait an hour to recheck the dressing.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient the First Postoperative