While caring for a client with a full-thickness burn covering 40% of the body surface area (BSA), the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound.

Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Choice A rationale:

Nosocomial transmission in the medical area. Rationale: Nosocomial transmission refers to infections that are acquired in healthcare settings. While it's essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of this risk, the client's presentation of diarrhea in a hurricane disaster area is more likely due to environmental factors rather than hospital-acquired infection.

Choice B rationale:

Food contamination from floodwaters. Rationale: In the aftermath of a hurricane, floodwaters can carry contaminants and pathogens, leading to food contamination. This is a significant concern, and the nurse should educate the client about the potential risks associated with consuming food exposed to floodwaters. However, the primary source of contamination for diarrhea is typically waterborne pathogens, which is addressed in choice C.

Choice C rationale:

Drinking water contaminated by sewage. Rationale: During natural disasters like hurricanes, sewage systems can become compromised, leading to the contamination of drinking water sources. This contamination poses a significant risk for diarrheal illnesses, as sewage often contains harmful pathogens. Therefore, the nurse should consider this as the most probable source of the client's exposure.

Choice D rationale:

Close living quarters at evacuation centers. Rationale: Close living quarters in evacuation centers can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including diarrheal illnesses. However, in this scenario, the client's chief complaint is diarrhea, and the nurse should prioritize investigating potential sources of waterborne contamination, as this aligns more closely with the client's symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to bring all medications, supplements, and herbs currently being taken to the next clinic appointment (Choice A) is the best course of action. This allows the healthcare provider to review the client's entire medication regimen, identify any potential interactions or duplications, and make appropriate adjustments. It promotes medication safety and ensures that the client receives the most effective and safe treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Using a medication reminder system (Choice B) is a helpful suggestion but does not address the issue of potential duplications or interactions between medications. While a reminder system can improve adherence, it does not provide a comprehensive solution to the problem of multiple prescriptions for the same indication.

Choice C rationale:

Making certain a family member knows the name and use of all medications currently being taken (Choice C) is a useful practice for medication safety but may not be sufficient to address the issue of multiple prescriptions. Relying solely on a family member's knowledge may lead to misunderstandings or omissions in the medication regimen.

Choice D rationale:

Do not take any over-the-counter drugs while taking medications prescribed by a healthcare provider (Choice D) is a relevant piece of advice for medication safety. However, it does not directly address the issue of multiple prescriptions for the same indication. It is essential for the client to have a complete and accurate record of all medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, to ensure safe and effective treatment.