While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?

Choice A rationale

While it’s always important to inform the medical team of any allergies, there’s no specific link between shellfish or iodine allergies and cystoscopy.

Choice B rationale

After a cystoscopy, patients should report any instances of painful urination, blood in urine, or fever. These could be signs of complications such as infection.

Choice C rationale

There’s no specific need for patients to refrain from strenuous activities and sports for at least 2 weeks after a cystoscopy.

Choice D rationale

Remaining in a prone position for 24 hours after the procedure is not a standard recommendation following a cystoscopy.

Choice A rationale

Applying ice, then a warm compress to the IV site may help with pain or inflammation, but it does not address the potential problem with the IV site itself. If the client is experiencing pain and refuses a flush to assess the site, it could indicate that the IV site is compromised.

Choice B rationale

Checking the medical record for the date of IV insertion could provide useful information about how long the IV has been in place, but it does not directly address the client’s current complaint of pain at the IV site.

Choice C rationale

Redressing the IV site while checking for redness could help identify signs of infection or inflammation, but it does not address the client’s complaint of pain or their refusal to have the site flushed.

Choice D rationale

Discontinuing the current IV site and inserting a new one is the most appropriate action in this situation. If the client is experiencing pain at the IV site and refuses a flush to assess the site, it suggests that the current IV site may be compromised. Inserting a new IV ensures that the client can continue to receive their scheduled IV medication safely.