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 ["A","C","F","H"]
Explanation
H.
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the oxygen saturation is an important nursing intervention following the administration of albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve oxygen saturation by increasing airflow and oxygen delivery.
Choice B rationale
Deep tracheal suctioning is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient has excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.
Choice C rationale
Discussing potential asthma triggers with the client is an important nursing intervention. Understanding and avoiding triggers can help prevent future asthma exacerbations.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a sputum culture is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless there is a suspicion of a respiratory infection.
Choice E rationale
Positive pressure ventilation is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient is in severe respiratory distress.
Choice F rationale
Allowing the client to take a position of comfort can help improve breathing and should be encouraged.
Choice G rationale
Discussing aggressive respiratory treatment options is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient’s condition is not improving or worsening.
Choice H rationale
Weaning the supplemental oxygen may be appropriate following the administration of albuterol if the patient’s oxygen saturation has improved.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increased BUN and serum creatinine are not typically symptoms of mononucleosis. These laboratory findings are more commonly associated with kidney dysfunction.
Choice B rationale
Ear pain and fever can be symptoms of many illnesses, including mononucleosis. However, they are not the most specific symptoms of this condition.
Choice C rationale
A positive Epstein-Barr virus test and malaise are common symptoms of mononucleosis. The Epstein-Barr virus is the most common cause of mononucleosis.
Choice D rationale
Elevated WBC and sedimentation rate can be seen in many inflammatory or infectious conditions, including mononucleosis. However, they are not the most specific symptoms of this condition.
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