After negative suction wound therapy, the patient reports severe pain. What is the immediate nursing action?

• A. Notify the health care provider
• B. Increase frequency of dressing change
• C. Reinforce with transparent dressing strips
• D. Reduce the suction

Answer: (D)

Pain during negative suction wound therapy usually means the tissue is being exposed to more negative pressure than it can tolerate. The immediate nursing action is to reduce the suction setting and reassess the patient and wound. Lowering the negative pressure often relieves the pain while still allowing the therapy to work. After adjusting, check the dressing and device for any issues (seal integrity, tubing kinks, or leaks) and monitor the patient’s pain again. If pain persists despite reducing suction, or if there are signs of device malfunction or wound complications, notify the health care provider.