A nurse onapostpartum unit is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Which of the following provider's prescriptions should the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply?

Rationale:
A. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): A normal white blood cell count indicates that the body is not currently mounting an inflammatory or infectious response. This finding does not place the client at risk for developing a wound infection.

B. Temperature 36.8° C (98° F): A normal temperature suggests that the client is afebrile and not showing signs of infection or systemic inflammation. This finding reflects stable postoperative recovery and is not a risk factor for infection.

C. Body mass index of 32: Obesity increases the risk for surgical wound infection because excess adipose tissue has poor blood supply, impairing oxygen and nutrient delivery needed for wound healing. Additionally, increased tension on the incision site can lead to dehiscence and bacterial colonization.

D. Blood glucose 90 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): A normal blood glucose level supports effective immune function and normal wound healing. Hyperglycemia, not euglycemia, would predispose the client to infection by impairing leukocyte function.

Rationale:
A. Call in additional medical-surgical unit nursing care staff: Calling in staff may be part of the overall disaster plan but is typically coordinated by administration or the incident command team, not by individual unit nurses.

B. Act as a liaison between the facility and the media: Communication with the media is the responsibility of the facility’s public information officer or designated spokesperson, not bedside nurses.

C. Determine the medical needs of incoming clients through the emergency department: Triage and assessment of incoming clients occur in the emergency department by the triage nurse or emergency staff, not on the medical-surgical unit.

D. Recommend to the provider specific acute care clients for discharge: In a mass casualty event, medical-surgical nurses help identify stable clients who can be safely discharged or transferred to make room for incoming critical clients. This is an essential role in surge capacity management.