A client is postoperative day 1 and reports a sudden increase in bloodtinged liquid draining from his incision after feeling a popping sensation. What is the nurse's next action?

Choice A reason: Send the client back to surgery is not the nurse's next action, because it is premature and inappropriate. Sending the client back to surgery requires a medical order and a clear indication of the need for surgical intervention. The nurse cannot make this decision without first assessing the wound and contacting the provider.

Choice B reason: Call the provider immediately is not the nurse's next action, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Calling the provider immediately is an important action, but it should be done after assessing the wound and gathering the necessary data. The nurse should be able to report the findings of the wound assessment, such as the size, shape, color, amount, and type of drainage, as well as the vital signs, pain level, and mental status of the client.

Choice C reason: Assess the wound for signs of dehiscence is the nurse's next action, because it is the most urgent and relevant. Assessing the wound for signs of dehiscence is a priority action, because it can identify the cause and severity of the problem. Dehiscence is a complication that occurs when the surgical incision splits open or separates, which can cause increased drainage, pain, and infection. Dehiscence can be caused by factors such as infection, poor wound healing, excessive strain, or trauma. Dehiscence can be detected by inspecting the wound for gaps, edges, or protrusions.

Choice D reason: Prepare to culture the wound is not the nurse's next action, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Preparing to culture the wound is a possible action, but it should be done after assessing the wound and contacting the provider. Culturing the wound is a procedure that involves collecting a sample of the wound drainage and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Culturing the wound requires a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice A reason: A client with leukemia is a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells, especially the white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections. Leukemia causes the production of abnormal and immature white blood cells that cannot function properly and crowd out the normal ones. This leads to a condition called leukopenia, which is a low level of white blood cells. Leukopenia makes the client more vulnerable to infection by reducing the immune system's ability to defend against pathogens.

Choice B reason: A child who is immunized is not a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Immunization is a process that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease. Immunization protects the child from getting infected by the disease or reduces the severity of the infection if it occurs. Immunization also prevents the spread of the disease to other people who are not immunized or who are immunocompromised.

Choice C reason: A 60yearold client is not a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Age is a factor that may influence the susceptibility to infection, but it is not the most important one. Older adults may have a weaker immune system due to aging, chronic diseases, or medications, but they may also have a stronger immune memory due to previous exposure to pathogens. The risk of infection in older adults depends on their overall health status, lifestyle, and preventive measures.

Choice D reason: A hospitalized 35yearold client is not a susceptible host most at risk for infection. Hospitalization is a factor that may increase the exposure to infection, but it is not the most significant one. Hospitalized clients may encounter various sources of infection, such as health care workers, other clients, medical equipment, or invasive procedures, but they may also receive adequate infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, isolation, sterilization, or prophylaxis. The risk of infection in hospitalized clients depends on their diagnosis, treatment, and compliance.