A nurse is emptying an orthopedic surgery patient's closed suction drainage at the end of a shift. The nurse notes that the volume is within expected parameters but that the drainage has a foul odor. What is the nurse's best action?
A) Aspirate a small amount of drainage for culturing.
B) Advance the drain 1 to 1.5 cm.
C) Irrigate the drain with normal saline.
D) Inform the surgeon of this finding.
Ans: D
Feedback:
The nurse should promptly notify the surgeon of excessive or foul-smelling drainage. It would be inappropriate to advance the drain, irrigate the drain, or aspirate more drainage.
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