A nurse is assessing the abdominal wound of a client who is 3 days postoperative following a colon resection. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Postoperative wound assessment is essential for identifying normal healing versus complications such as infection or impaired tissue repair. After abdominal surgery like a colon resection, the incision site is closely monitored for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and infection. Normal healing may include mild redness and swelling, but abnormal drainage or systemic signs may indicate surgical site infection. Early recognition and reporting help prevent wound dehiscence and sepsis. A. Purulent drainage is an abnormal finding that indicates infection at the surgical site. It is typically thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling and suggests the presence of bacterial invasion and immune response. This finding must be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and treatment, such as antibiotics or wound care changes. B. Edema is a normal inflammatory response in the early postoperative period due to tissue trauma and fluid accumulation. Mild swelling around the incision is expected within the first few days after surgery and usually decreases as healing progresses. It does not typically require urgent reporting unless it is severe or worsening. C. Ecchymotic skin refers to bruising, which is common after surgery due to tissue manipulation and minor blood vessel injury. Small areas of bruising around the incision site can be expected and generally resolve without intervention. It is not typically an indication of infection or surgical complication. D. Erythema (mild redness) is a normal part of the inflammatory phase of wound healing and is expected within the first few days after surgery. It reflects increased blood flow to the area as healing begins. However, if redness becomes spreading, intense, or accompanied by fever or drainage, it may indicate infection and should be reassessed.