While changing a client’s postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client’s laboratory values?
Serum blood glucose level.
Culture for sensitive organisms.
C-reactive protein level.
Blood pH level.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Serum blood glucose level is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a wound site. While blood glucose levels can affect wound healing, they do not provide specific information about the presence of infection.
Choice B rationale
Culture for sensitive organisms is the most appropriate laboratory value to note when purulent drainage is observed. This test helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines the most effective antibiotics for treatment.
Choice C rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) level is a marker of inflammation and can indicate the presence of an infection, but it does not provide specific information about the bacteria causing the infection.
Choice D rationale
Blood pH level is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a wound site. While blood pH can be affected by severe infections, it is not a specific indicator of wound infection.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used to manage hypertension. While it is generally safe, in the context of pneumonia, it can potentially cause complications such as hypotension, especially if the patient becomes septic or dehydrated. Additionally, ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent cough, which might be confused with or exacerbate the symptoms of pneumonia.
Choice B rationale:
Admitting the patient to the medical floor is appropriate given the diagnosis of pneumonia and the patient’s symptoms. Hospitalization allows for close monitoring and administration of necessary treatments.
Choice C rationale:
Sending blood for a complete blood count and electrolytes is standard practice to assess the patient’s overall health and identify any potential complications such as electrolyte imbalances or infection severity.
Choice D rationale:
Supplemental oxygen at 10 L/min via nasal cannula is quite high and typically not the first choice for pneumonia patients. High-flow oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation might be more appropriate if the patient requires such high levels of oxygen. Generally, nasal cannulas are used for lower flow rates (up to 6 L/min), and higher flow rates can cause discomfort and nasal dryness.
Choice E rationale:
Ibuprofen is commonly used to manage fever and pain in pneumonia patients. It helps reduce fever and alleviate discomfort, which can improve the patient’s overall condition.
Choice F rationale:
Continuous pulse oximetry is appropriate for monitoring the patient’s oxygen saturation levels, especially given the initial low oxygen saturation on room air.
Choice G rationale:
Vital signs every 4 hours is a standard practice for monitoring patients with pneumonia to detect any changes in their condition promptly.
Choice H rationale:
A chest X-ray is essential for diagnosing and assessing the extent of pneumonia. It helps in identifying the presence of infiltrates, consolidation, or other complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reported history of alcoholism is the most important assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. Terbinafine is metabolized by the liver, and clients with a history of alcoholism may have impaired liver function, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver function and assessing for signs of liver damage are crucial before starting treatment.
Choice B rationale
Toenails appear thick and yellow is a common symptom of fungal toenail infection, but it is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The focus should be on assessing liver function.
Choice C rationale
Employed as a construction worker is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. While occupational exposure to fungi may be relevant, the primary concern is liver function.
Choice D rationale
White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10⁹/L) is within the normal range and is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The primary concern is liver function.