A nurse is examining the abdominal wound of a client who is 3 days postoperative following a hemicolectomy. Which of the following findings indicates a wound infection?

The correct answer is c. Apply a moist saline dressing to the area.

Choice A reason: Obtaining a set of vital signs is important, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The vital signs will not address the protruding organs directly.

Choice B reason: Flexing the client’s knees and hips may provide comfort but does not directly address the issue of the open incision and protruding organs.

Choice C reason: Applying a moist saline dressing to the area is the correct action. It helps to protect the protruding organs by keeping them moist and reduces the risk of organ damage or infection. This is the priority action to keep the organs moist and reduce the risk of tissue damage until surgical repair can be done.

Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the client’s bed 20° may be part of the overall care plan, but it is not the immediate priority when dealing with protruding organs from an open abdominal incision.

The correct answer is choice A. Auscultate the client's abdomen for bowel sounds. This is the first action the nurse should take because it provides information about the client's bowel motility and function. Opioid medications can decrease bowel motility and cause constipation. The nurse should assess the client's abdomen before implementing any interventions.

• Choice B is not correct because providing privacy and a set time to defecate is a nonpharmacological intervention that can help prevent constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
• Choice C is not correct because administering a fiber-based laxative is a pharmacological intervention that can help treat constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should also consider the client's fluid intake and preference before giving a laxative.
• Choice D is not correct because encouraging the client to increase oral intake of fluids is a nonpharmacological intervention that can help prevent constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should also consider the client's fluid balance and medical condition before giving fluids.