A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

Choice A reason: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial for a client who has suffered an electrical injury. Electrical injuries can cause arrhythmias and other cardiac complications, which may not be immediately apparent. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of any cardiac abnormalities, which is vital for the patient's safety and recovery.

Choice B reason: Evaluating the level of consciousness is important for any patient, especially those with significant injuries, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario. While neurological assessments are part of comprehensive care, the immediate risk posed by cardiac complications from the electrical injury takes precedence.

Choice C reason: Performing passive range of motion exercises is beneficial for preventing contractures and maintaining joint mobility in immobile patients. However, it is not the most urgent intervention in the context of an electrical injury, where cardiac monitoring is paramount.

Choice D reason: Assessing lung sounds every 4 hours is a valuable part of monitoring for respiratory complications, particularly in burn patients. However, the immediate cardiac risks associated with electrical injuries necessitate continuous cardiac monitoring as the priority intervention.

Condition:

Postoperative infection

2 Actions:

1. Administer prescribed antibiotics.
2. Culture wound drainage.

2 Parameters:

1. Temperature.
2. White blood cell count.

Rationale for correct condition:

A postoperative infection is the most likely condition because the patient has elevated white blood cell count (11,000/mm³) and a slightly elevated temperature (99.8°F). These findings suggest a systemic inflammatory response, potentially from infection. The presence of a recent surgical wound increases the risk of bacterial contamination. The absence of redness or drainage does not rule out deeper tissue infection. The patient’s symptoms align with early signs of an infectious process.

Rationale for the two correct actions:

1. Administer prescribed antibiotics: Antibiotics target potential bacterial infection, which is critical to prevent further complications such as systemic infection or sepsis.
2. Culture wound drainage: This identifies the causative organism and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy. Even if the wound appears clean externally, culturing can confirm or rule out deeper infection.

Rationale for parameters to monitor:

1. Temperature: Monitoring temperature helps identify trends in fever, a common sign of infection progression or resolution.
2. White blood cell count: Elevated levels are a marker of infection or inflammation. Monitoring changes in WBC count can indicate if treatment is effective.

Rationale for incorrect conditions:

1. Surgical rash: A rash is not indicated in the notes, and the elevated WBC count and temperature do not suggest a dermatologic issue.
2. Contractures: No evidence suggests reduced mobility or positioning problems causing contractures.
3. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): The client’s normal vital signs and lack of redness or swelling in the residual limb make DVT less likely.

Rationale for incorrect actions to take:

1. Request NPO prescription: There is no evidence of gastrointestinal issues or surgery requiring this intervention.
2. Elevate residual limb to reduce swelling: While useful in managing swelling, there is no current sign of significant limb edema requiring elevation.
3. Educate on incentive spirometer use: This is preventive for respiratory complications but unrelated to infection management.

Rationale for incorrect parameters to monitor:

1. Adherence to activity prescription: While important for recovery, it does not directly address infection.
2. Residual limb redness or swelling: Although relevant to infection, there is no current evidence of redness or swelling in the notes.
3. Pain intensity and characteristics: Pain is already being managed with morphine, and its current level (5/10) does not directly indicate infection.