The nurse assess the client who had abdominal surgery 3 days ago, noting that the incision is red and draining greenish fluid and that the client complains of increased incisional pain

Question

Which should the nurse implement first to prevent transmission of a potential pathogen? 1. Gather supplies for contact isolation.
2. Report the assessment to the provider.
3. Place the client on contact precautions.
4. Instruct visitors on contact precautions.

Answer 1

3
3. First, the nurse places the client on contact precautions because the incision is red and draining greenish fluid, clinical indicators of infection. The nurse implements isolation techniques quickly to disrupt transmission and to protect the health care team and other clients from potential exposure to a pathogen.
1. After establishing transmission precautions, the nurse gathers PPE and other ne-cessary supplies for the isolation room to avoid unnecessary movement in and out of the room.
2. After arranging contact precautions and isolation, the nurse notifies the provider for new prescriptions.
4. The nurse instructs all visitors about hand washing and wearing gloves and gowns to contain the pathogen in the client's room and to prevent exposure of the visitors while in the isolation room.