An nurse is caring for a client who has acute osteomyelitis. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?

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: Popping bursae from standing is not the cause of the grating sound. Bursae are fluidfilled sacs that cushion the joints and reduce friction. Popping bursae may produce a snapping or clicking sound, but not a grating sound.

Choice B reason: A herniated disk in the diseased joint is not the cause of the grating sound. A herniated disk is a condition where the soft inner part of the intervertebral disk bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. A herniated disk may cause pain, numbness, or weakness, but not a grating sound.

Choice C reason: Pieces of bone and cartilage floating is the cause of the grating sound. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of the cartilage and bone in the joints. Pieces of bone and cartilage may detach and float in the joint space, causing a grating sound when the joint moves.

Choice D reason: Years of an autoimmune process is not the cause of the grating sound. An autoimmune process is a condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. An autoimmune process may cause inflammation, swelling, or damage to the joints, but not a grating sound.