A 65-year-old post-operative patient presents with a sudden opening of their surgical abdominal wound. What is the most appropriate immediate nursing action to take for this patient experiencing wound dehiscence?

A. A nurse gives a client the choice to take a pain medication via intramuscular or oral route: This action exemplifies the ethical principle of autonomy, as it respects the client’s right to make decisions regarding their own treatment options.

B. A nurse administers scheduled pain medication for a client who is having pain: This action reflects the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the client and alleviate suffering. Administering pain medication according to the schedule supports the client's well-being.

C. A nurse fulfills a promise to a client that they will return with their pain medication: This action demonstrates fidelity, which involves keeping promises and commitments made to clients. It ensures trust and accountability in the nurse-client relationship.

D. A nurse provides nonpharmacological pain interventions to each client equally: This action represents the principle of justice, which emphasizes fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatment among clients. Providing equal access to pain interventions ensures that all clients receive appropriate care regardless of their individual circumstances, aligning with the ethical principle of justice.

A. The vein appears cordlike: A cordlike appearance of the vein can indicate phlebitis or thrombosis rather than an infection. While this finding may be associated with complications related to an IV catheter, it does not specifically indicate an infection at the insertion site.

B. Purulent drainage is noted from the site: The presence of purulent drainage is a clear sign of infection. Purulent drainage typically indicates the accumulation of pus, which is a result of the body's immune response to infection. This finding aligns with the expectation of an infection at the IV catheter insertion site.

C. The client reports numbness at the site: Numbness is not a common symptom of infection. It may indicate nerve involvement or irritation, which could be related to the placement of the catheter, but it does not directly signify an infection at the insertion site.

D. Skin over the site is sloughing: Sloughing skin may indicate severe tissue damage or necrosis, which could occur in cases of severe infection, but it is not a typical finding in a localized infection at the insertion site. More commonly, an infection would present with redness, warmth, swelling, and possibly purulent drainage.