Patient CareQuestion 16 of 100
A patient returns for a dressing change and the medical assistant notes increasing redness spreading from the wound edges, yellow-green drainage, warmth, and a temperature of 101.4°F. What is the best action?
a.Report the findings to the provider promptly and document the wound appearance
b.Apply extra antibiotic ointment and tell the patient it is healing normally
c.Remove the sutures early so the wound can drain on its own
d.Tell the patient to stop cleaning the wound until the redness fades
Explanation
Spreading redness, purulent drainage, warmth, and fever are classic signs of wound infection that must be reported to the provider without delay and charted objectively. Reassuring the patient or adding ointment delays needed treatment such as culture and antibiotics. Removing sutures and changing wound care instructions are outside the medical assistant's independent authority.
Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- A patient with left-sided weakness is being taught to use a cane. On which side should the cane be held, and which leg moves first?
- While walking down the hallway, a patient suddenly becomes pale and says she feels faint. What should the medical assistant do first?
- When cleaning a surgical wound with sterile gauze, what technique should the medical assistant use?
- Which instruction is correct when teaching a female patient to collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen?
- A provider orders a 24-hour urine collection. What instruction should the medical assistant give the patient?
- When collecting a throat specimen for a rapid strep test, what is the correct technique?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam · How we review