The nurse is preparing to bath a client on the first postoperative day

The nurse is preparing to bath a client on the first postoperative day. Which nursing intervention should take priority?

1. Apply lotion to the extremities.
2. Change the water when it becomes cold.
3. Raise side rails when gathering supplies.
4. Remove the soiled dressing during the bath.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Applying lotion to the skin would be performed before or after, not during, the bath.
Rationale 2: Changing the water needs to be done before it becomes cold, but it is not a priority.
Rationale 3: Raising the side rails would take priority when planning care. This is a safety issue, and safety is second on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The client is only 1 day postop and may still be sedated, posing a risk for a potential fall.
Rationale 4: A dressing change would be performed before or after, not during, the bath and only with a doctor’s order.