Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C because yellow-green drainage on the surgical incision can indicate an infection, which is a critical postoperative complication that requires immediate attention from the provider. This finding suggests the presence of pus or other infectious material in the wound, increasing the risk of further complications like wound dehiscence or systemic infection. Reporting this to the provider promptly allows for timely intervention such as wound exploration, debridement, and initiation of appropriate antibiotics.
The other choices are not as concerning in the immediate postoperative period:
A: Respiratory rate within normal range
B: Blood pressure within normal range
D: Straw-colored urine is expected from an indwelling urinary catheter, indicating adequate kidney function and hydration.
The other choices are not as concerning in the immediate postoperative period:
A: Respiratory rate within normal range
B: Blood pressure within normal range
D: Straw-colored urine is expected from an indwelling urinary catheter, indicating adequate kidney function and hydration.