A patient who underwent abdominal surgery one week ago presents with slight pinkish discoloration and mild induration around the incision site, no warmth, and the patient expresses concerns over tightening sensation without significant pain. Vital signs are stable. What is the appropriate nursing intervention?
Initiate a course of oral antibiotics to preemptively treat any potential subclinical infection.
Apply an iodine-based antiseptic to the incision site and cover with an occlusive dressing.
Utilize moist heat to the area to promote blood circulation and faster healing.
Advise the patient to monitor the incision and consult if there's any increase in redness, swelling, or if pain develops, and continue to keep the incision clean and dry.
Slight pinkish discoloration and mild induration at the incision site one week post-operation could be part of a normal healing process; monitoring is essential. There is no indication of infection, such as purulent drainage, significant erythema, warmth, or fever, nor significant pain that might suggest dehiscence. The incision should not be covered with an occlusive dressing as it might impede necessary air circulation needed during the healing phase. Antibiotic prophylaxis or the use of antiseptic solutions is not warranted and may disrupt normal skin flora or wound healing.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is induration, and why does it occur around an incision site post-surgery?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is it not recommended to use antiseptics or antibiotics in this situation?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the signs of a surgical site infection, and when should the patient seek medical attention?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
AAMA CMA
Clinical Competency
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
Monthly
$9.99
$9.99/mo
Billed monthly, Cancel any time.
3 Month Pass
$14.99
$4.99/mo
One time purchase of $14.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$29.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Nursing and Medical Assistants Package plans include the following perks and exams .