A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for four clients. Which of the following results is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:
Notifying the surgeon of the temperature elevation is important, but it is not the nurse's priority. A temperature elevation after abdominal surgery could be a sign of infection, but the immediate action should be to assess the surgical incision for any signs of infection.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is a good practice to maintain hydration and promote recovery after surgery. However, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The elevated temperature and potential infection take precedence over increasing fluid intake.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because the nurse's priority is to assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. An elevated temperature is a significant finding after surgery, and it may indicate a surgical site infection, which requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is an essential nursing intervention after surgery, but it is not the priority when the client has an elevated temperature and a recent surgical incision.
The nurse must first assess for signs of infection before proceeding with routine vital sign monitoring.

Choice A rationale:

Covering bedside water pitchers after being filled helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection by preventing the entry of airborne pathogens or debris.

Choice B rationale:

Allowing dressings that get wet in the shower to dry out is not an effective infection control strategy. Wet dressings can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and it is important to change wet dressings promptly to minimize the risk of infection.

Choice C rationale:

Used needles should be immediately disposed of in sharps containers, not placed at the nurses' station. Placing used needles in the sharps container promptly helps prevent accidental needlestick injuries and potential transmission of infections.

Choice D rationale:

Drainage bottles should be emptied regularly to prevent overfilling, but they should not be allowed to become full. Regular emptying ensures proper functioning and reduces the risk of spillage or contamination in the client care area.