Nursing management of the client with a wound infection SITUATION: A 39 year old female underwent a partial bowel resection (removal of the bowel) as treatment for a malignant tumor. Prior to her surgery, she received radiation and chemotherapy in an effort to reduce the size of the tumor. She has lost a significant amount of weight over the past six months and is about twenty pounds under weight under her ideal weight. Currently, her incision is well approximated, free of redness, tenderness or swelling.
– What is the single most important nursing intervention to protect the woman from developing a postoperative wound infection?

– Cite several other nursing interventions that are appropriate for this client.