For a client recovering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, what is the priority action if fever develops three days post-surgery?

Prioritizing the assessment of the surgical incision for signs of infection is crucial in the context of a client recovering from abdominal aortic aneurysm repair who develops a fever three days post-surgery. Fever can be an early indicator of an infection, particularly at the surgical site, which may lead to serious complications such as sepsis if not promptly addressed.

After a surgical procedure, monitoring the incision is essential as infection risks increase due to factors like skin disruption and potential contamination during surgery. In this scenario, the development of fever suggests the need for immediate evaluation of the incision for redness, swelling, drainage, or other signs of infection. Identifying an infection early allows for timely intervention, such as updating the treatment plan, initiating antibiotics, or further consulting with the healthcare provider.

While increasing fluid intake and providing antipyretics can be beneficial in overall management of a fever, they do not directly address the potential underlying cause. Waiting for the provider to handle the situation in the morning could delay necessary interventions and may lead to worsened outcomes if an infection is present. Prompt assessment of the incision is therefore the most critical action to ensure the client’s safety and recovery.