Which of the following actions is appropriate for a Hospital Corpsman when monitoring a wound?

Observing for signs of infection is a critical and appropriate action for a Hospital Corpsman when monitoring a wound. This involves assessing the wound for symptoms such as redness, swelling, increased warmth, and discharge. These signs can indicate that the wound is becoming infected, which is a common complication that requires timely intervention to prevent further issues.

Wound monitoring is essential in ensuring proper healing and preventing complications. By identifying infection early, the Hospital Corpsman can facilitate timely treatment, which may include notifying a physician or updating the treatment plan. This proactive approach is vital in maintaining patient safety and care standards.

In other contexts, while mental health interventions, laboratory tests, and surgical referrals are important components of holistic patient care, they fall outside the specific scope of monitoring a wound directly. Mental health interventions address psychological health, laboratory tests might play a role in diagnosing underlying conditions or confirming infections but are not primarily related to visual monitoring of wounds, and referring for surgery typically occurs after a thorough evaluation indicates it is necessary, rather than during initial monitoring.