Three days after abdominal surgery,the nurse notes 4-cm periwound erythema and swelling at the distal end of a client's incision.The area is tender and warm to the touch.Staples are intact along the incision,and there is no obvious drainage.Heart rate is 96 beats/min and oral temperature is 100.8°F (38.2°C).What kind of complication should the nurse suspect this client is experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described by the nurse (periwound erythema and swelling, tenderness and warmth, elevated heart rate and temperature) are indicative of an infection at the incisional site.

Three Days After Abdominal Surgery,the Nurse Notes 4-Cm Periwound Erythema