Which nursing intervention is critical after surgery regarding wound care?

After surgery, checking the wound sites is a critical nursing intervention because it allows healthcare providers to assess the condition of the surgical site for any signs of complications. This includes monitoring for excessive bleeding, signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and ensuring that the wound is healing properly. By regularly checking the wound, nurses can identify potential problems early, address them promptly, and provide the necessary care to enhance patient recovery.

Although other interventions, such as notifying the healthcare provider, completing a full assessment, and initiating pain management, are important aspects of postoperative care, the priority is to ensure that the surgical site is stable and healing appropriately. This initial assessment of the wound can guide further interventions and influence treatment decisions.