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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Demonstrating the use of visual scanning during meals can help the client overcome the difficulty with visual perception, which is a common problem after a CVA. Visual perception is the ability to interpret and process the information received from the eyes. A CVA can damage the parts of the brain that are responsible for visual perception, causing impairments such as hemianopia, neglect, or agnosia. Visual scanning is a technique that involves moving the eyes or the head from side to side to scan the entire visual field and compensate for the missing or distorted information. Visual scanning can help the client see all the food on the tray and eat more adequately.
Choice B reason: Explaining that weight loss will be reversed after the acute phase of the stroke has ended is not a helpful response to the family's concern, as it does not address the current issue of the client's nutritional status. Weight loss is a common complication of CVA, due to factors such as dysphagia, anorexia, depression, or medication side effects. Weight loss can affect the client's recovery, immunity, and quality of life. Weight loss may or may not be reversed after the acute phase of the stroke, depending on the client's condition, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Choice C reason: Suggesting that the family bring foods from home that the client enjoys eating is not a sufficient response to the family's concern, as it does not address the underlying cause of the client's poor intake. The client's difficulty with visual perception may prevent her from seeing or recognizing the food, regardless of whether it is from the hospital or from home. The family should also consider the client's dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences before bringing any food from home.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the family to offer to feed the client when she does not eat her entire meal is not an appropriate response to the family's concern, as it may undermine the client's autonomy and dignity. The client's difficulty with visual perception may not affect her ability to feed herself, as long as she can see the food and the utensils. The family should respect the client's independence and self-care, and only assist her when necessary. The family should also avoid forcing or coaxing the client to eat more than she wants, as this may cause discomfort or resentment.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reorienting to day and time frequently is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can help the client to reduce confusion, anxiety, and disorientation, which may contribute to the auditory hallucinations. The nurse should use simple and clear language, speak slowly and calmly, and provide cues and reminders, such as a clock, a calendar, or a picture, to help the client to orient to reality.
Choice B reason: Applying soft wrist restraints bilaterally is not a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, unless it is absolutely necessary and ordered by the doctor. Restraints can increase the client's agitation, anxiety, and fear, and they can also cause physical and psychological harm, such as skin breakdown, nerve damage, or loss of dignity. The nurse should use restraints only as a last resort, after trying other less restrictive alternatives, such as verbal de-escalation, distraction, or medication.
Choice C reason: Administering a PRN dose of lorazepam is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, if it is prescribed by the doctor and indicated by the client's condition. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can help the client to relax, reduce anxiety, and sedate the central nervous system, which may alleviate the auditory hallucinations. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and respiratory status, and report any adverse effects, such as hypotension, bradycardia, or respiratory depression.
Choice D reason: Turning the television on for distraction is not a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can worsen the client's auditory hallucinations, confusion, and agitation. The television can provide too much stimulation, noise, and information, which can overload the client's sensory perception and interfere with their ability to distinguish reality from hallucination. The nurse should provide a quiet and calm environment, and limit the sources of auditory input.
Choice E reason: Presenting a calm, supportive demeanor is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can help the client to feel safe, comfortable, and respected, and to establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. The nurse should show empathy, compassion, and patience, and avoid arguing, criticizing, or dismissing the client's hallucinations. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings, validate their distress, and reassure them that they are not alone.
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