The nurse is concerned about a client's ability to withstand exposure to pathogens. What blood component should the nurse monitor?

A. Jugular vein distention: Jugular vein distention is not typically associated with deficient fluid volume (dehydration). Instead, it is often seen in conditions of fluid overload, such as heart failure or volume overload. Therefore, this finding is not accurate for deficient fluid volume.

B. Skin turgor, tenting at clavicular area: Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched or pulled. In cases of deficient fluid volume (dehydration), skin turgor is decreased, leading to delayed return of the skin to its normal state. Tenting at the clavicular area is a specific sign of decreased skin turgor and is indicative of dehydration.

C. Elevated hematocrit: Deficient fluid volume (dehydration) leads to hemoconcentration, where there is a relative increase in the proportion of red blood cells to plasma volume. As a result, the hematocrit level, which represents the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume, increases. An elevated hematocrit is a laboratory finding commonly associated with deficient fluid volume.

D. Oral mucous membranes dry and sticky: Dehydration can lead to decreased saliva production and dryness of the oral mucous membranes. Dry and sticky oral mucous membranes are common clinical signs of deficient fluid volume (dehydration) and indicate inadequate fluid intake or loss.

A. should be explored while talking to the client: While it's important for the nurse to be aware of their own personal values and attitudes regarding sexuality, exploring them while talking to the client may not be the most appropriate approach. The focus during client interaction should be on understanding the client's perspectives, concerns, and needs, rather than discussing the nurse's personal values and attitudes.

B. should be explored before talking to the client: This is the most appropriate action. Before discussing sexuality with a client, the nurse should take time to reflect on their own personal values and attitudes regarding sexuality. This self-awareness can help the nurse approach the discussion with sensitivity, open-mindedness, and professionalism, ensuring that their own biases do not negatively influence the care provided to the client.

C. should be shared with the client: Sharing one's own personal values and attitudes regarding sexuality with the client is generally not recommended. The focus of the interaction should be on the client's needs, concerns, and preferences, rather than the nurse's personal beliefs. Sharing personal values could potentially undermine the therapeutic relationship or make the client feel uncomfortable or judged.

D. are not necessary to explore: Exploring one's own personal values and attitudes regarding sexuality is essential for providing client-centered care and maintaining professionalism. Ignoring or dismissing the nurse's own values can lead to biases influencing the care provided to the client. Therefore, it is necessary for the nurse to explore their own values before engaging in discussions with clients about sexuality.