What should the nurse do if serosanguineous drainage is noted on a child's dressing after craniotomy?

In the situation where serosanguineous drainage is noted on a child's dressing after a craniotomy, circling the area with nonabsorbable ink is a crucial action. This technique is utilized to monitor any changes in the drainage over time. By marking the perimeter of the drainage with ink, the healthcare provider can later assess whether the amount of drainage is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. This is particularly important after a surgical procedure like a craniotomy, where monitoring for complications such as bleeding or infection is essential.

Effective patient care requires ongoing observation, especially post-operative, and documenting changes is key to identifying potential issues early. In contrast, cleaning the site with alcohol could irritate the sensitive post-operative area, thereby hindering healing or increasing the risk of infection. Changing the dressing immediately might not be warranted unless significant changes occur, as it can disturb the healing process. Measuring the drainage may be important, but not as an immediate primary action in this instance; instead, marking it allows for visual assessment without unnecessary disruption of the surgical site.