While caring for a client with full-thickness burns covering 40% of the body, the nurse observes purulent drainage from the wounds. Before reporting this finding to the health care provider, the nurse should evaluate which laboratory value?
Platelet count.
Serum albumin.
Neutrophil count.
Blood pH level.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Platelet count is not directly related to wound infection. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and hemostasis. A low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding, while a high platelet count can indicate inflammation or malignancy.
Choice B reason: Serum albumin is a measure of protein status and nutritional status. A low serum albumin can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, or fluid imbalance. A high serum albumin can indicate dehydration or chronic infection. Serum albumin is not a specific indicator of wound infection.
Choice C reason: Neutrophil count is a measure of the body's immune response to infection. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells and are the first line of defense against bacterial infections. A high neutrophil count can indicate an acute infection, while a low neutrophil count can indicate a weakened immune system or a chronic infection. Neutrophil count is the most relevant laboratory value to evaluate wound infection.
Choice D reason: Blood pH level is a measure of the body's acid-base balance. A normal blood pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45. A low blood pH level can indicate acidosis, while a high blood pH level can indicate alkalosis. Blood pH level can be affected by many factors, such as respiratory function, metabolic function, renal function, and medication use. Blood pH level is not a specific indicator of wound infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Explaining the specific reason for urgent notification is important, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a PRN prescription for acetaminophen for fever over 101° F (38.3° C) is a possible recommendation that the nurse can make, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.
Choice C reason: Prefacing the report by stating the client’s name and admitting diagnosis is the first information that the nurse should provide, according to the SBAR communication process. This helps to establish the identity and context of the client and the situation.
Choice D reason: Communicating the pre-transfusion temperatures is part of the assessment that the nurse should provide, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Isolating the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper PPE is the most important action that the nurse should take, because it can prevent the transmission of COVID-19, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The client has symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, such as conjunctivitis, loss of taste and smell, and recent travel history, and the nasal swab test can confirm the diagnosis. The nurse should follow the infection control precautions, such as wearing a mask, gloves, gown, and eye protection, and place the client in a private room with negative pressure ventilation, if available.
Choice B reason: Reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to CDC guidelines is an important action that the nurse should take, but it is not the most important one. Reporting the COVID-19 result can help the public health authorities to monitor the epidemiology, track the contacts, and implement the interventions to control the outbreak. However, reporting the result can only be done after the test is completed and confirmed, which may take some time. The nurse should prioritize the immediate isolation of the client to prevent the spread of the virus.
Choice C reason: Teaching the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance to prevent spreading the virus is an important action that the nurse should take, but it is not the most important one. Teaching the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance can help the client to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, which can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, contact, and aerosols. However, teaching the client these measures can only be effective if the client follows them and adheres to the isolation guidelines. The nurse should first isolate the client and then provide the education.
Choice D reason: Explaining to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days is an important action that the nurse should take, but it is not the most important one. Explaining to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days can help the client to notify their close contacts, such as family, friends, co-workers, and travel companions, who may have been at risk of COVID-19 infection. However, explaining to the client this information can only be useful if the client cooperates and remembers their contacts. The nurse should first isolate the client and then assist the client with the contact tracing.
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