HESI 366 Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A postoperative clear fluid on a lumbar dressing can indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication to identify quickly. The best first action is to test the drainage for glucose because CSF contains glucose, whereas typical wound drainage does not. A positive glucose test supports that the fluid is CSF, which then prompts immediate communication with the surgical team and initiation of appropriate precautions to protect the patient from infection and to plan further management. Discarding the dressing, giving prophylactic antibiotics without confirmation, or simply documenting without assessing would not address the potential CSF leak and could put the patient at risk.