Which statement provides the best documentation of the amount of wound drainage?

Albumin is a protein that is made by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance in the

body. The normal range for albumin is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL or 35-55 g/liter. A low albumin level can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, or other conditions that affect protein synthesis or loss.

A client diagnosed with Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements would be expected to have a low albumin level due to inadequate protein intake or absorption.

Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin = 14.2 g/dL is within the normal range for males, which is 13.2 to 16.6 g/dL.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other conditions that affect red blood cell production or destruction.

Choice B is wrong because potassium = 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range for adults, which is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. A low potassium level can indicate dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, diuretic use, or other conditions that cause potassium loss. A high potassium level can indicate kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, acidosis, or other conditions that cause potassium retention.

Choice D is wrong because creatinine = 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range for adults, which is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL.

Offer a glass of warm milk. According to some studies, warm milk may have a relaxing effect on the body and help induce sleep. It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted to serotonin and melatonin, which are neurotransmitters that regulate sleep cycles.

Choice A is wrong because a warm shower may increase the body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep.

Choice C is wrong because notifying the healthcare provider is not necessary for a client with insomnia unless there are other signs of distress or complications.

Choice D is wrong because watching television may stimulate the brain and interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

Some other nursing interventions for insomnia are:

• Educate the patient on the proper food and fluid intake such as avoiding heavy meals, alcohol, caffeine, or smoking before bedtime.
• Evaluate the patient’s sleep hygiene such as having a regular bedtime and wake-up time, avoiding naps during the day, and limiting exposure to light at night.
• Provide a conducive environment for sleep such as reducing noise, adjusting temperature and lighting, and using comfortable bedding.
• Help the patient develop a sleeping plan such as engaging in relaxing activities before bed, avoiding checking the clock, and getting out of bed if unable to sleep after 20 minutes.
• Understand the proper use of sleep aids or other medications such as following the prescription, avoiding over-the-counter drugs without consulting the provider, and being aware of the side effects and interactions.