A client with a surgical wound suddenly develops a fever, localized pain, and purulent drainage. The nurse suspects an infection. What is the priority nursing intervention?

The correct answer to the question "A client with a surgical wound suddenly develops a fever, localized pain, and purulent drainage. The nurse suspects an infection. What is the priority nursing intervention?" is Option B: Collect a wound culture specimen..

The other options — A) Administer a prescribed antibiotic., C) Apply a warm compress to the wound., D) Document the findings in the client's chart. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Before administering antibiotics for a suspected wound infection, obtaining a wound culture is the priority. This identifies the specific pathogen, guiding targeted antibiotic therapy for effective t…