Patient CareQuestion 17 of 100
While assisting with a dressing change, a technician observes that the patient's wound has increased redness, warmth, swelling, and yellow-green drainage with odor. What is the most appropriate action?
a.Cover it and say nothing since drainage is expected
b.Cleanse the wound with alcohol independently
c.Apply a heating pad to the area
d.Report the findings to the nurse, as they suggest possible infection
Explanation
Increased redness, warmth, swelling, purulent (yellow-green) drainage, and odor are classic signs of a wound infection. The technician should report these observations promptly to the nurse for assessment. Wound assessment and treatment decisions are outside the technician's scope of practice.
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