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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the client to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water prior to the procedure is not a standard preparation for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). Overhydration could potentially complicate the procedure.
Choice B rationale
It is essential for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider if the client reports any allergies to iodine or shellfish. The contrast dye used in an IVP often contains iodine. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish may have a reaction to this dye.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the client to keep the legs straight for 6 to 8 hours after the procedure is not a standard instruction for IVP. This instruction is more commonly associated with procedures involving the insertion of a catheter into a large artery or vein.
Choice D rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter prior to going to the X-ray department is not a standard preparation for an IVP. The procedure involves the injection of a contrast dye into a vein, not the bladder.
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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