A patient with a contaminated abdominal wound after surgery is planned for delayed primary closure. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate to facilitate healing by tertiary intention?

A. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration: Promoting hydration supports thermoregulation and prevents fluid loss associated with fever. While important, it does not address the underlying cause or allow for immediate intervention if the fever indicates a serious infection.

B. Apply cold packs to reduce the client's temperature: External cooling measures can provide comfort but may trigger shivering, which can increase body temperature. Cold packs do not treat the underlying cause of fever and are supportive rather than primary interventions.

C. Administer antipyretics as prescribed: Antipyretics help lower body temperature and improve comfort. However, administering medication without assessing for the underlying cause of fever or notifying the provider may overlook a potentially serious infection.

D. Assess for signs of infection and notify the provider: A high fever can indicate an acute infection or other serious condition. Assessing for source, monitoring vital signs, and communicating findings to the healthcare provider ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, making this the priority action.

A. Advise the client to avoid discussing the deceased with others: Avoiding discussion can intensify feelings of isolation and prevent processing of grief. Healthy grieving involves expressing emotions and sharing memories rather than suppressing them.

B. Encourage the client to focus on other areas of life to distract themselves: Distraction may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying complicated grief. Encouraging avoidance of emotions can delay healing and exacerbate distress.

C. Refer the client to a bereavement counselor or therapist: Complicated grief involves prolonged, intense, or impairing symptoms that interfere with functioning. Referral to a mental health professional provides specialized assessment, support, and therapy to help the client process grief safely and effectively.

D. Suggest participating in daily physical exercise routines for emotional management: Physical activity can improve mood and reduce stress but is an adjunctive strategy. It does not replace professional intervention for complicated grief, which may require targeted psychotherapy or counseling.