What safety factors should be considered when using an Aquathermia pad unit for a patient? (Select all that apply)

Choice A rationale
Excessive gas is not typically an indication of wound dehiscence. While it may cause discomfort, it does not suggest that the wound layers have separated.

Choice B rationale
A complaint of constipation is a common postoperative concern due to decreased mobility and use of narcotics but is not a sign of wound dehiscence.

Choice C rationale
Increased drainage from the wound, especially if the fluid is clear or serous, can be an early sign of dehiscence, indicating that the wound layers are separating and fluid is accumulating.

Choice D rationale
Increased pallor of the surgical site might indicate poor perfusion but is not a direct sign of dehiscence. Dehiscence would more likely show signs of inflammation or unusual discharge.

Choice A rationale
A headache is a nonspecific symptom and can be associated with many conditions. It is not typically indicative of internal hemorrhage, which is more likely to present with hemodynamic changes.

Choice B rationale
While a rising pulse is a sign of internal hemorrhage due to the body’s attempt to maintain cardiac output, the blood pressure would typically fall, not rise, as the blood volume decreases.

Choice C rationale
Lethargy and a falling pulse are signs of decreased cardiac output, but in the case of internal hemorrhage, the blood pressure would usually fall, not rise, due to the loss of blood volume.

Choice D rationale
Restlessness, a rising pulse, and falling blood pressure are classic signs of internal hemorrhage. The body responds to blood loss by increasing heart rate to maintain perfusion, but as volume continues to decrease, blood pressure falls.