A male client who had abdominal surgery 5 days ago, and hospitalized because of a surgical wound infection, tells the nurse that he feels like his insides just spilled out when he coughed. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is essential if wound dehiscence or evisceration is confirmed, but the nurse must first assess the incision to verify the client’s report. Immediate visualization ensures accurate identification of the complication before contacting the provider. Choice B reason: Obtaining sterile saline-soaked towels is the correct intervention if evisceration is present, but this step follows assessment. Applying dressings without confirming the condition could be unnecessary or inappropriate. Choice C reason: Assuring the client that such feelings occur with wound infections is incorrect and unsafe. The client’s description strongly suggests wound dehiscence or evisceration, which is a surgical emergency. Minimizing symptoms delays critical intervention. Choice D reason: Visualizing the abdominal incision is the correct first action. Direct assessment allows the nurse to determine whether evisceration has occurred. If confirmed, the nurse can then immediately cover the wound with sterile saline-soaked towels and notify the provider. This prioritizes accurate assessment and rapid response to a life-threatening complication.