When assessing a client post-abdominal surgery, what should the nurse do first?

In the context of assessing a client after abdominal surgery, the first action the nurse should take is to inspect the abdominal area. This is vital as it allows the nurse to visually assess for any abnormalities, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or excessive bruising, which could indicate complications like infection or hematoma formation at the surgical site. Inspecting the area provides immediate observational data that informs further assessment steps.

Following inspection, palpation may be required to evaluate for tenderness, distension, or any abnormal masses; however, this should come after a visual examination. While observing the surgical site is important, it falls under the broader category of inspecting the abdominal area. Additionally, asking about pain levels is essential for understanding the patient's comfort and potential complications, but it should still follow an initial visual inspection to establish a baseline for physical findings before delving deeper into subjective reporting.