What is an important instruction for a client after laparoscopic cholecystectomy regarding incision care?

After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, an important instruction regarding incision care is to report any purulent drainage from the incisions. This is crucial because purulent drainage may indicate an infection at the surgical site, which can lead to complications if not addressed promptly. Monitoring the incisions for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or unusual drainage, is key to ensuring a smooth recovery. Clients should be vigilant about the condition of their incisions and communicate any concerning changes to their healthcare provider right away.

While other options may touch on aspects of incision care, they do not emphasize the critical nature of monitoring for infection. Keeping the incisions dry, for instance, is important, but this is typically a standard instruction for many surgical sites and often encompasses the immediate postoperative period rather than an ongoing evaluation of complications. Similarly, applying heat to the incision sites may not be appropriate and could potentially complicate the healing process. Lastly, completely avoiding movement for two weeks is excessively restrictive and not typically necessary. Gentle movement is usually encouraged to promote circulation and healing, provided it is not causing pain or complications.