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?
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.
Utilize moist heat to the area to promote blood circulation and faster healing.
Apply an iodine-based antiseptic to the incision site and cover with an occlusive dressing.
Initiate a course of oral antibiotics to preemptively treat any potential subclinical infection.
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.
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