One hour after abdominal surgery, a patient's dressing becomes rapidly soaked with bright-red blood. The pulse is 124 per minute and the blood pressure is falling. Which action is the priority?
Correct answer: C. Notify the surgical team and support circulation
- A. Reinforce the dressing and reassess in one hour
- B. Place the patient in a high sitting position
- C. Notify the surgical team and support circulation
- D. Give oral water and encourage deep breathing
Explanation
Rapid bleeding with tachycardia and falling blood pressure suggests postoperative haemorrhage and possible hypovolaemic shock. The nurse should call for urgent help, maintain airway and breathing, provide oxygen as prescribed, and support circulation while following the facility emergency protocol. Delayed reassessment or oral fluids is unsafe.
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About Perioperative Nursing
Covers preoperative assessment, informed consent, surgical preparation, anaesthesia, intraoperative safety and postoperative recovery. It includes sterile technique, surgical positioning, wound and drain care, pain and nausea management, fluid balance, prevention of infection and recognition of complications such as haemorrhage, atelectasis and shock.
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