What should a nurse do if a patient's surgical site shows excessive drainage?

When a surgical site exhibits excessive drainage, the priority is to thoroughly assess the situation and act appropriately. Assessing the site involves looking for signs of infection, abnormal drainage (such as the color, consistency, and amount), and any other related symptoms. This assessment provides crucial information about the patient's condition.

Notifying the healthcare provider is essential because excessive drainage could indicate complications such as infection, hematoma, or dehiscence (wound opening). The healthcare provider may need to evaluate the patient further and determine whether an intervention, such as adjustments in treatment, laboratory tests, or possibly additional imaging, is necessary.

Immediate action and communication are critical in postoperative care to prevent potential complications from worsening.