A nurse is examining the abdominal wound of a client who is 3 days postoperative following a hemicolectomy. Which of the following findings indicates a wound infection?

BUN 40 mg/dL. Elevated BUN levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which can be a potential adverse effect of long-term NSAID therapy.

Reasons why the other options are not answers:

Option A: Total bilirubin 0.8 mg/dL is a normal value and does not require reporting to the provider.

Option C: PaO2 90 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not require reporting to the provider.

Option D: Hematocrit 45% is within the normal range and does not require reporting to the provider.

The correct answer is choice D. Allow frequent rest periods.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging fluids is not appropriate for a client with heart failure. Clients with heart failure often experience fluid overload due to the heart’s inability to pump effectively, leading to fluid retention.Encouraging additional fluid intake can exacerbate this condition, worsening symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.

Choice B rationale:

Measuring vital signs every 8 hours may not be frequent enough for a client with heart failure, especially if they are experiencing acute symptoms.More frequent monitoring is often necessary to detect changes in the client’s condition promptly and to manage symptoms effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining weight weekly is not sufficient for a client with heart failure. Daily weight monitoring is crucial as it helps in detecting fluid retention early.Sudden weight gain can indicate worsening heart failure and the need for adjustments in treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Allowing frequent rest periods is essential for clients with heart failure. These clients often experience fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance due to reduced cardiac output.Frequent rest periods help in managing fatigue and preventing overexertion, which can worsen heart failure symptoms.