An acute care nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has a prescription for physical therapy 2-3 times per day for 2 weeks.
Which of the following resources should the nurse anticipate that the client will require upon discharge?

Findings that Could Increase Susceptibility to Infection:

1. Budesonide 6 mg PO daily:

   • Explanation: Budesonide is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, often prescribed for conditions like Crohn's disease. While it helps manage inflammation, corticosteroids also suppress the immune system. This immunosuppressive effect can increase the client's susceptibility to infections.

2. BMI of 16:

   • Explanation: A BMI of 16 is considered underweight. Malnutrition or being underweight can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections because their body lacks the necessary nutrients and energy to support immune function.

3. History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

   • Explanation: Diabetes, particularly if not well-controlled, can impair the immune system and increase the risk of infections. High blood sugar levels can hinder the function of immune cells, making it easier for infections to develop and harder for the body to fight them.

4. New Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease:

   • Explanation: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. This chronic inflammation can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies that impair the immune system. Additionally, the disease itself, especially when active, can increase the risk of infection.

Findings That Do Not Increase Susceptibility to Infection:

1. Hematocrit (Hct) of 47%:

   • Explanation: The Hct level is within the normal range of 37% to 52%. It measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Since it's normal, it does not indicate an increased risk of infection.

2. Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 16 g/dL:

   • Explanation: The Hgb level is also within the normal range of 12 to 18 g/dL. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This normal level does not suggest a higher risk of infection.

3. Potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L:

   • Explanation: Potassium levels are within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. This electrolyte level is unrelated to infection risk in the context provided.

The correct answer is Choice D: Obtaining a blood pressure for a client who is to be discharged later in the day.

Choice A rationale:

Providing tracheostomy care requires specialized training and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP).

Choice B rationale:

Assessing a client who just returned from surgery involves clinical judgment and decision-making, which are responsibilities of a licensed nurse, not assistive personnel.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer requires patient education skills and the ability to assess the client's understanding, which are tasks for a licensed nurse.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a blood pressure is a routine task that can be delegated to assistive personnel, as it does not require advanced clinical judgment or specialized training.