A nurse is caring for several clients who are at risk of developing a pressure injury. Which of the following clients is most at risk?

Choice A rationale:

A blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range, so there is no need to notify the provider of this finding.

Choice B rationale:

A client's temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F) is slightly elevated but not considered a critical finding. It may be indicative of an infection or other mild inflammation, but it does not warrant immediate provider notification.

Choice C rationale:

A potassium level of 5.7 mEq/L is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, and requires immediate attention from the provider.

Choice D rationale:

Weight loss of 0.8 kg/day (1.8 lb/day) should be evaluated and monitored, but it is not an immediate concern that warrants urgent provider notification.

Choice A rationale:

Crackles are adventitious lung sounds that can be heard on auscultation and are commonly associated with pneumonia. They are caused by the movement of air through fluid-filled or collapsed alveoli, indicating inflammation and infection in the lungs.

Choice B rationale:

Crepitus is a different respiratory finding and is not typically associated with pneumonia. Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation that can be felt under the skin, often caused by subcutaneous emphysema or gas trapped in the tissues, not within the lungs.

Choice C rationale:

Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound heard during inspiration and is usually indicative of upper airway obstruction, not pneumonia. It can be caused by conditions such as croup or anaphylaxis.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased fremitus is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia. Fremitus is the vibration felt when the patient speaks and is transmitted through the chest wall. In pneumonia, increased fremitus may be observed due to the consolidation of lung tissue with fluid or pus, not decreased fremitus.