HESI RN CAT Exam Quizlet Related

Review HESI RN CAT Exam Quizlet related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days post-op following an abdominal surgery. The client reports feeling something 'give way' in the incision site and there is a small amount of bowel protruding from the wound. What action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Apply a sterile saline dressing to the wound
  • B. Notify the healthcare provider
  • C. Administer pain medication
  • D. Cover the wound with an abdominal binder
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, the priority action for the nurse is to apply a sterile saline dressing to the wound. This helps prevent infection and keeps the wound moist, which is crucial in promoting healing and preventing further complications. Option B, notifying the healthcare provider, is important but should come after addressing the wound. Administering pain medication (Option C) may be necessary but is not the first action to take in this emergency situation. Covering the wound with an abdominal binder (Option D) is not appropriate and may cause further harm by applying pressure to the protruding bowel.