A client with a full-thickness burn to the front of the left leg underwent skin grafting. The nurse notes pain 6/10, dressing dry and intact, and slight edema at the graft site. Which action is the priority?

Post-operative skin graft care focuses on maximizing graft take by reducing edema and preventing shearing. Knowledge of tissue perfusion and fluid dynamics is necessary to prioritize actions that minimize swelling, which can lift the graft from the bed. Choice A rationale Elevating the affected extremity reduces edema at the graft site by promoting venous return. Excessive swelling can separate the new graft from the underlying vascular bed, preventing necessary revascularization and leading to graft failure or necrosis. Choice B rationale Inspecting the graft site is important, but the nurse should generally not disturb the initial surgical dressing. Frequent inspection increases the risk of shearing or dislodging the delicate graft before it has successfully adhered to the site. Choice C rationale Ensuring the patient does not lie on the graft is a standard intervention to prevent pressure and shearing. However, in the presence of noted edema, elevation is the priority action to ensure the graft remains viable. Choice D rationale Administering analgesics addresses the pain level of 6/10, which is important for comfort. However, pain is expected, whereas reducing edema through elevation is functionally more critical to the physiological success and survival of the graft.