If a postoperative patient exhibits signs of infection, such as fever and redness at the surgical site, what should the nurse do first?

In the context of postoperative care, if a patient shows signs of infection, such as fever and redness at the surgical site, the first and most critical action for the nurse is to notify the surgeon. This is essential because the surgeon possesses the authority and expertise to assess the situation further and determine the appropriate intervention needed. Early notification can lead to timely management of the infection, which is vital in preventing complications such as systemic infection or delayed wound healing.

Although documenting findings is important, it should not take priority over alerting the surgeon, as immediate action may be necessary to address the patient's condition. Administering analgesics might provide relief if the patient experiences pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of potential infection. Applying a warm compress could be useful in certain scenarios but is not a standard or effective first response in the presence of infection signs. In this case, prioritizing patient safety and prompt surgical assessment takes precedence.