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?

The correct answer is choicec. Administer prescribed stool softener.

Choice A rationale:

Administering prescribed PRN sleep medications can help the client rest, but it is not the highest priority. Managing pain and preventing complications from the laceration are more critical.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the use of prescribed analgesic perineal sprays can help manage pain and promote healing, but it is not as crucial as preventing constipation, which can cause significant discomfort and complications.

Choice C rationale:

Administering prescribed stool softeners is the highest priority because a fourth-degree laceration involves the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa.Preventing constipation is essential to avoid straining during bowel movements, which can cause pain and disrupt the healing process.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging breastfeeding to promote uterine involution is important for postpartum recovery, but it is not directly related to the care of a fourth-degree laceration. Managing pain and preventing complications from the laceration take precedence.

Choice A rationale:

Correcting electrolytes that are out of normal range is a crucial goal of therapy for this client. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the body’s cells are unable to use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin. This leads to the breakdown of fat for energy, producing ketones as a by-product. Ketones are acidic and can cause the blood’s pH to decrease, leading to metabolic acidosis. This process also leads to an increased production and excretion of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Therefore, correcting these electrolyte imbalances is a key goal of therapy.

Choice B rationale:

While promoting oxygenation to tissues is generally important in critical care, it is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. The primary issues in DKA are metabolic in nature, including hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing hyperventilation is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. Hyperventilation in DKA is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing). The body tries to expel more carbon dioxide to reduce the acidity of the blood.

Choice D rationale:

Reversing dehydration is another important goal of therapy for this client. In DKA, high blood glucose levels lead to osmotic diuresis, where water is drawn into the urine from the blood, leading to dehydration. This can cause hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion. Therefore, reversing dehydration through fluid replacement is a key part of treatment.

Choice E rationale:

Replacing insulin is a fundamental goal of therapy for this client. Insulin deficiency is the primary cause of DKA. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells where it can be used for energy, preventing the breakdown of fat for energy and the subsequent production of ketones.

Choice F rationale:

Providing respiratory support may be necessary in severe cases of DKA where the patient’s compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to maintain adequate gas exchange. However, it is not one of the primary goals of therapy in DKA management.