Which finding should be reported immediately after open cholecystectomy?

Which finding should be reported immediately after open cholecystectomy?

• A. Respiratory rate of 30
• B. Blood pressure reading of 104/50
• C. Incisional pain with foul, green drainage
• D. Urinary output of 75 mL straw colored urine

Answer: (C)

After open cholecystectomy, the priority is to detect wound or biliary tract complications early. Incisional drainage that is green and foul-smelling strongly suggests bile contamination or infection at the surgical site, which can rapidly lead to serious problems like peritonitis or sepsis if not addressed right away. This is why it should be reported immediately—the finding points to a potentially dangerous complication needing prompt evaluation and intervention. In contrast, a respiratory rate of 30 can be related to pain or shallow breathing and is important to monitor, but it does not by itself indicate a specific acute surgical complication. A blood pressure around 104/50 is generally acceptable in the immediate post-op period for many patients, though trends matter. Urine output of 75 mL could be normal depending on the time frame and hydration, and while important, does not carry the same immediate red-flag weight as suspicious wound drainage.

After open cholecystectomy, the priority is to detect wound or biliary tract complications early. Incisional drainage that is green and foul-smelling strongly suggests bile contamination or infection at the surgical site, which can rapidly lead to serious problems like peritonitis or sepsis if not addressed right away. This is why it should be reported immediately—the finding points to a potentially dangerous complication needing prompt evaluation and intervention.

In contrast, a respiratory rate of 30 can be related to pain or shallow breathing and is important to monitor, but it does not by itself indicate a specific acute surgical complication. A blood pressure around 104/50 is generally acceptable in the immediate post-op period for many patients, though trends matter. Urine output of 75 mL could be normal depending on the time frame and hydration, and while important, does not carry the same immediate red-flag weight as suspicious wound drainage.