# Review the surgical site infection trend trend.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395956&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis  
> category: SIPC

## Question

Review the surgical site infection trend trend.

| Time | Data |
| --- | --- |
| Post-op day 1 | Incision approximated, temperature 37.1 C, pain 3/10 |
| Post-op day 4 | Increasing incisional pain, redness extends 3 cm, temperature 38.4 C |
| Post-op day 5 | Purulent drainage, WBC 15,500/mm3, wound edges separating |

Q1. What complication is suggested?

Surgical site infection with wound dehiscence risk
Normal healing only
Expected bruising
Allergic rhinitis

Q2. Which nursing response is appropriate?

Notify provider and use sterile wound care as ordered
Apply nonsterile dressing with bare hands
Encourage scratching the incision
Delay reporting until follow-up

## Explanation

Increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, purulent drainage, leukocytosis, and edge separation suggest surgical site infection and dehiscence risk. Sterile care and prompt provider notification are priorities.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Trend items ask you to notice what is changing over time and which change creates the highest risk. Link the strongest cue pattern to the safest nursing priority for Surgical site infection trend.

Memory Tip
Trend, cue severity, and immediate risk decide priority before routine tasks.

KR vs US
NCLEX NGN items reward clinical judgment using the complete client picture, not one isolated clue.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Surgical site infection trend, compare new findings with baseline status, ordered data, and expected complications before choosing the priority response.

Caution
Do not delay urgent stabilization or escalation when airway, breathing, circulation, neurologic status, or safety is worsening.

## Key concepts

- **Surgical Site Infection** — Infection involving an incision or operative area.
- **Dehiscence** — Partial or complete separation of wound edges.
- **Purulent Drainage** — Thick drainage containing pus.

## Related questions

- [A nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with suspected methicillin-resistant Staphyl…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=360517&lang=en)
- [A nurse is about to enter the room of a client with Clostridioides difficile infection dur…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361226&lang=en)
- [A 22-year-old female client presents to the emergency department with a 4-week history of …](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361677&lang=en)
- [A 65-year-old client admitted to the medical ICU with sepsis and acute delirium has just p…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361679&lang=en)
- [A new graduate registered nurse (RN) on a medical unit just hung an intravenous antibiotic…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=361710&lang=en)
- [A nurse is caring for a client newly admitted with active Clostridioides difficile infecti…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=363996&lang=en)
- [A nurse is caring for an adult client newly admitted with suspected active pulmonary tuber…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=366306&lang=en)
- [A nurse cares for a client newly admitted with a positive surveillance culture for vancomy…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=366709&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395956&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395956&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395956&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395956&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395956&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._