The nurse is caring for a client with abdominal surgery and on the first postoperative day, the nurse notices new bright-red drainage about 6 cm in diameter on the dressing. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

New bright-red drainage may indicate hemorrhage, and the nurse should initially assess the client'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 institutional policy. The nurse should not wait an hour to recheck the dressing.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Abdominal Surgery