After the initial dressing change for a postoperative incision, the client reports prickling and itchiness around the incision. How should the practical nurse respond?

After the initial dressing change for a postoperative incision, the client reports prickling and itchiness around the incision. How should the practical nurse respond?

• A. Administer the client analgesia for the prickling and itchiness sensation.
• B. Remove the dressing and assess the skin area around the incision.
• C. Inform the client that this is a normal sensation to feel after the surgery.
• D. Notify the doctor of his complaints of prickling and itchiness around the incision.

Answer: (B)

When a postoperative incision feels prickly and itchy after a dressing change, the priority is to assess the skin and the dressing itself to determine the cause. Removing the dressing and inspecting the surrounding skin helps identify whether the sensation is due to a normal healing process, a contact dermatitis from adhesive or dressing materials, or a wound complication such as irritation, drainage, or the dressing being too tight. This direct inspection allows you to observe for redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odor, or tape irritation and to check the dressing’s integrity and fit. Based on what you find, you can decide whether to manage the patient’s comfort, switch to hypoallergenic materials, or escalate to the physician if signs suggest infection or an allergic reaction.

When a postoperative incision feels prickly and itchy after a dressing change, the priority is to assess the skin and the dressing itself to determine the cause. Removing the dressing and inspecting the surrounding skin helps identify whether the sensation is due to a normal healing process, a contact dermatitis from adhesive or dressing materials, or a wound complication such as irritation, drainage, or the dressing being too tight. This direct inspection allows you to observe for redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odor, or tape irritation and to check the dressing’s integrity and fit. Based on what you find, you can decide whether to manage the patient’s comfort, switch to hypoallergenic materials, or escalate to the physician if signs suggest infection or an allergic reaction.