A nurse is caring for a client who has pancreatitis and has been receiving total parenteral nutrition.

Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor for overall nutritional status?

“The client’s capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.” Capillary refill time is the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure has been applied to the skin.

A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds.
A capillary refill time of 6 seconds indicates poor blood flow to the left toe and requires immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice B is not the correct answer because while a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site is concerning, it does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice C is not the correct answer because an oral temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F) is only slightly elevated and does not require immediate intervention by the nurse.
Choice D is not the correct answer because while 100 mL of blood in a closed-suction drain may be concerning, it does not necessarily require immediate intervention by the nurse.

The correct answer is: b. “I apply a lubricating lotion to the cracked areas on the soles of my feet every morning.”

Choice A reason: Elevating the feet for long periods is not generally recommended for clients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). This is because elevation can decrease arterial blood flow to the feet, which is already compromised in PAD. The goal is to promote blood flow to the extremities, and elevation might work against this, especially if done for extended periods.

Choice B reason: Applying a lubricating lotion to the feet, particularly on the soles where the skin can become very dry and cracked, is beneficial for someone with PAD. It helps to maintain skin integrity and prevent skin breakdown, which can lead to serious complications due to the reduced blood flow and healing capacity in PAD.

Choice C reason: Soaking the feet in hot water is not advisable for individuals with PAD. They may have reduced sensation in their feet due to poor circulation, which increases the risk of burns from hot water. Additionally, prolonged soaking can lead to maceration of the skin, making it more susceptible to injury and infection.

Choice D reason: Using a heating pad, even on a low setting, to keep the feet warm is risky for clients with PAD. Due to decreased sensation from poor circulation, there is a danger of burns because the client may not feel how hot the heating pad is. It’s better to wear warm socks or use room temperature control to keep the feet warm.