A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery.

Which of the following findings places the client at risk for delayed wound healing? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:
Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. High lipid levels are associated with atherosclerosis and impaired blood flow, which can hinder wound healing. Therefore, having hyperlipidemia places the client at risk for delayed wound healing.
Choice B rationale:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that can lead to impaired wound healing. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing blood flow to wounds and impairing the body's ability to fight infection. Therefore, diabetes mellitus places the client at risk for delayed wound healing.
Choice C rationale:
The medication history is a crucial factor to consider in wound healing. Prednisolone, a corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system and impair the body's ability to heal wounds. Long-term use of prednisolone, as in this case (20 mg/day for the past 2 years), increases the risk of delayed wound healing. Therefore, the medication history places the client at risk for delayed wound healing.
Choice D rationale:
The cholesterol level, in this context, is less relevant to the immediate risk of delayed wound healing. While high cholesterol levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, they do not have a direct impact on wound healing. The other choices (A, B, and C) are more directly related to delayed wound healing in the context of this surgical patient.
Choice E rationale:
Prealbumin is a protein that reflects a person's nutritional status. A low prealbumin level indicates malnutrition or inadequate protein intake, which can hinder wound healing. Therefore, a low prealbumin level places the client at risk for delayed wound healing. Now, let's move on to the last question.

Choice A rationale:

Justice is the ethical principle related to fairness and equality in healthcare. It is not applicable in this scenario as it does not address the nurse's action of returning at 1400 for wound care.

Choice B rationale:

Autonomy is the principle that respects a patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. While important, this is not the focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in healthcare. The nurse returning at the agreed time of 1400 does not primarily relate to veracity. It is more about keeping a commitment.

Choice D rationale:

Fidelity, or faithfulness, is the ethical principle that the nurse is demonstrating in this scenario. The nurse is keeping their commitment to provide wound care at the agreed time of 1400. This aligns with the principle of fidelity.