What should the nurse order after managing a profusely bleeding incision if needed?

After managing a profusely bleeding incision, the nurse should consider ordering a complete blood count (CBC) to assess the patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This is critical in situations of significant blood loss, as a drop in these values can indicate the extent of blood loss and the need for further interventions. Monitoring the CBC helps in determining if the patient is anemic and if they may require blood transfusions or additional treatment to stabilize their condition.

Fluid resuscitation is also essential in cases of significant bleeding, but it typically follows the assessment of blood counts to guide the volume and type of fluids needed. An X-ray of the abdomen may be relevant if there are concerns about internal injuries, but it does not provide immediate information about the current state of blood loss. Consulting a nutritionist is usually not an immediate priority in an acute setting where blood loss is a concern. Thus, ordering a complete blood count is the most appropriate step to evaluate and manage the situation following heavy bleeding.