Question

An obese client with diabetes who had a bowel resection 5 days ago says, "I felt like I split open when I was coughing."

Answer 1

Answer:

Notify HCP immediately.

Explanation:

The situation describes surgical wound dehiscence. Specifically - fascial dehiscence (since a loop of bowel is protruding through). Because the fascia has dehisced, this is a surgical emergency as the patient is now at very high risk of life-threatining infection. It wouldn't be as serious if it was just skin/subcutaneous tissue dehiscence because the main barrier between inside and outside is still intact.

HCP must be notified because this patient needs to go back to the OR immediately for repair.