While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?

Hematocrit.

Neutrophil count.

Platelet count.

Serum sodium level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.

Choice B rationale

Neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. An elevated neutrophil count can indicate an infection, making it the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.

Choice C rationale

Platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood. While platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, they are not directly related to infection and therefore not the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.

Choice D rationale

Serum sodium level is a measure of the amount of sodium in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While the client’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, it is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client’s change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale

The nurse should be aware of the client’s currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client’s sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client’s altered mental status.

Choice C rationale

While the reason for the client’s admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client’s acute change in mental status.

Choice D rationale

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client’s immediate needs.

A. Confirm that this value is helpful in reducing cardiac risk. B. Encourage the client to reduce consumption of fatty foods. C. Ask the client about hereditary cardiac risk factors. D. Explain that the client may need medication therapy.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Therefore, an HDL level of 85 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) is helpful in reducing cardiac risk.

Choice B rationale

Encouraging the client to reduce consumption of fatty foods is not necessary in this case as the client’s HDL level is already high, which is beneficial for heart health.

Choice C rationale

Asking the client about hereditary cardiac risk factors is not the most relevant action in this case. The client’s HDL level is already high, which is beneficial for heart health.

Choice D rationale

Explaining that the client may need medication therapy is not necessary in this case as the client’s HDL level is already high, which is beneficial for heart health.

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While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An older adult client informs the nurse of having a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of 85 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L). What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The patient is resting in bed and cooperative with her mother at her bedside. Which of the following assessments were made?

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While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?