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:

Domestic violence assistance is an important topic, but it falls under secondary and tertiary prevention rather than primary disease prevention, which is the focus of this community outreach program. Primary prevention aims to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, while domestic violence assistance addresses an existing issue.

Choice B rationale:

Blood pressure screening is valuable for early detection of hypertension, but it also falls under secondary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on preventing the onset of diseases through measures such as immunizations, health education, and lifestyle modifications.

Choice D rationale:

Outreach for support group information is essential for clients with chronic conditions or specific needs. However, it is not primarily related to preventing diseases at the population level, which is the primary goal of this community outreach program. This topic may be more relevant to secondary and tertiary prevention efforts.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Moving Client D into an isolation room 24 hours before surgery is not necessary. The client’s white blood cell (WBC) count is 14,000 mm (14 x 10^9/L), which is higher than the normal range of 5000 to 10,000/mm² (5 to 10 x 10^9/L). This indicates that the client may have an infection. However, it is not standard practice to isolate clients scheduled for surgery based solely on an elevated WBC count. Other factors, such as the presence of specific infectious diseases, would dictate the need for isolation.

Choice B rationale: Asking the dietitian to add a banana to Client C’s breakfast tray is not necessary. The client’s potassium level is 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L), which is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). Therefore, there is no need to increase the client’s potassium intake.

Choice C rationale: Increasing Client A’s oxygen to 4 liters a minute per cannula is not necessary. The client has emphysema and their oxygen saturation is 94%, which is within the normal range. Increasing the oxygen flow rate could lead to oxygen toxicity or suppress the client’s respiratory drive, leading to respiratory depression or failure.

Choice D rationale: Verifying that Client B has two units of packed cells available is the correct intervention. The client’s postoperative hemoglobin level is 8.2 mg/dL (82 g/L), which is lower than the normal range of 14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L). This indicates that the client is anemic and may require a blood transfusion. Therefore, it is important to ensure that packed cells are available if needed.