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?

Choice A rationale

A lung biopsy is an invasive procedure that is typically performed to diagnose conditions such as lung cancer or interstitial lung disease. It is not the first-line test for evaluating increased shortness of breath in a client with COPD56.

Choice B rationale

Spirometry is a common, non-invasive test used to assess lung function and is particularly useful in conditions like COPD. It measures the volume and speed of air a person can inhale and exhale, which can help in assessing the severity of COPD56.

Choice C rationale

Antibody testing is typically used to diagnose conditions related to the immune system, such as allergies or autoimmune diseases. It is not typically used to evaluate shortness of breath in a client with COPD56.

Choice D rationale

A sweat test is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis by measuring the amount of salt in a person’s sweat. It is not used to evaluate shortness of breath in a client with COPD56.

Choice A rationale

There is no indication that Patient D, who is scheduled for an appendectomy and has a white blood cell (WBC) count of 14,000 mm² (14 x 10°/L), needs to be transferred to an isolation room 24 hours prior to surgery.

Choice B rationale

Patient A, diagnosed with emphysema and has an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air, does not necessarily need an increase in oxygen. An oxygen saturation of 94% is within normal limits.

Choice C rationale

Patient B, who is postoperative with a hemoglobin level of 8.2 mg/dL (82 g/L), may require a blood transfusion. A hemoglobin level of 8.2 mg/dL is low, and having packed cells available is a prudent measure.

Choice D rationale

Patient C, newly admitted with a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L), has a normal potassium level. Including a banana in the breakfast tray is not a priority.