Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A client returns to the unit after a neck dissection. The surgeon placed a Jackson-Pratt drain in the wound. When assessing the wound drainage over the first 24 postoperative hours, what finding would prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider immediately?

  • A. Presence of small blood clots in the drainage
  • B. 60 mL of milky or cloudy drainage
  • C. Spots of drainage on the dressings surrounding the drain
  • D. 120 mL of serosanguinous drainage
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 60 mL of milky or cloudy drainage. This finding could indicate the presence of an infection, which is a serious complication post-neck dissection. Milky or cloudy drainage may contain pus, indicating the need for immediate intervention to prevent further complications.

A: Presence of small blood clots in the drainage is relatively common and may not necessarily indicate a problem unless there are large clots or excessive bleeding.

C: Spots of drainage on the dressings surrounding the drain are expected and do not necessarily warrant immediate notification unless there is excessive leakage.

D: 120 mL of serosanguinous drainage is within the expected range for the first 24 hours postoperatively and may not be a cause for immediate concern unless there are other symptoms present.