What should the nurse do if they notice redness and mild swelling of a patient's incision 24 hours post-procedure?

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In the scenario of noticing redness and mild swelling of a patient's incision 24 hours post-procedure, documenting and continuing to monitor the wound is appropriate because these symptoms can be considered normal findings shortly after surgery. It is common for surgical incisions to exhibit some degree of localized redness and swelling as part of the body's healing response. By documenting these observations, the nurse creates a record of the patient's condition, which can be important for future assessments.

Monitoring the incision allows the nurse to keep track of any changes. If the symptoms escalate or new signs of infection or complications, such as increased redness, drainage, or fever, occur, the nurse will then have documented evidence to support further action, such as notifying a physician. This step is critical as it shows due diligence in patient care while also adhering to standard protocols in post-operative monitoring.

In contrast, options such as notifying the physician immediately may be premature without further evidence of infection or complications. Applying a cold compress might not be indicated for an incision site unless specified by a physician's order or protocol, as it could potentially interfere with normal healing. Administering prescribed pain medication could be necessary if the patient reports increased pain; however, it does not directly address the current observations of redness and swelling at

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