During a skin inspection at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notices patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales on the client's elbows and knees. What skin abnormality does the nurse suspect?

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: Culturing the wound is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. 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 is an important intervention, but it should be done after inspecting the wound and assessing the drainage, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice B reason: Applying topical ointment to the wound is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Applying topical ointment to the wound is a procedure that involves applying a medication or a dressing to the wound site, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Applying topical ointment to the wound is an important intervention, but it should be done after inspecting the wound and assessing the drainage, and with a medical order and a clean technique.

Choice C reason: Inspecting the wound and assessing the drainage is the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Inspecting the wound and assessing the drainage is a process that involves observing and measuring the wound site and the wound exudate, which can reveal the presence and severity of infection, injury, or healing. Inspecting the wound and assessing the drainage is an essential assessment, as it can guide the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Calling the provider to initiate antibiotics is not the nurse's priority assessment for this client, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling the provider to initiate antibiotics is a communication that involves reporting the client's situation and requesting a prescription for an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Calling the provider to initiate antibiotics is an important communication, but it should be done after inspecting the wound and assessing the drainage, and with the necessary data and documentation.