In a prioritized approach, what should a nurse do second after applying pressure to the dressing for a patient with a profusely bleeding incision?

In a situation where a patient has a profusely bleeding incision, the immediate priority is to control the bleeding, which is why applying pressure to the dressing is the first critical step. Following this, the next important action is to communicate with the surgical team, which involves paging the surgeon. This is necessary to ensure that appropriate medical intervention can be initiated as quickly as possible, which is vital for patient safety and the management of potential complications like shock or significant blood loss.

By contacting the surgeon promptly, the nurse ensures that the surgical team can assess the situation further, potentially prepare for additional procedures, and provide necessary support. This step is essential in the chain of actions to stabilize the patient and prevent further deterioration.

While preparing the patient for surgery, administering fluids, and documenting the event are also important aspects of patient care, they typically follow the immediate need for surgical evaluation. Preparing the patient for surgery and administering fluids would generally occur once the surgical team is alerted and actively involved in managing the situation. Documenting the event is crucial for legal and clinical reasons, but it is often performed after the immediate medical needs are addressed to ensure the patient receives timely care.