A postoperative patient visits the ambulatory care clinic complaining of just "not feeling well." The patient has an elevated temperature.Which assessment finding should indicate to the nurse that the wound has become infected?

A) Negative culture
B) No odor
C) Presence of fluid around the edges
D) Purulent drainage coming from the incision area

Question

Jonathan Schlender · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Purulent drainage indicates an infection as it contains dead or living organisms and white blood cells and is often yellow,green,or brown.If the drainage has a pungent or strong odor,an infection is likely.No odor indicates normal healing.When an infection develops,the wound edges are usually brightly inflamed,warm,tender,and swollen.Culture results would come back positive for bacteria if an infection is present; a negative culture indicates no infection is present.

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