Upon witnessing a client's wound is bloody after coughing, what should the nurse do first?

In this situation, the priority is to protect the client's wound and minimize the risk of further contamination or damage. By covering the wound with moist sterile gauze, the nurse is taking immediate action to maintain a sterile environment and prevent infection. This intervention is critical because it helps to control bleeding, provides a barrier against pathogens, and supports the healing process.

While assessing the client for distress is also important, it typically follows the initial step of wound care. If the wound is bleeding, attending to it promptly takes precedence to ensure the client's safety. Other steps, like calling the surgeon or documenting the incident, are necessary later; however, the immediate concern is to address the physical injury and maintain the integrity of the wound area. Thus, covering the wound with moist sterile gauze serves as an essential first action in managing the client's condition effectively.