A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

Choice A reason: Distinguishing the difference between herpes varicella and herpes zoster is important for client education. Herpes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate years later as shingles. Educating the client about the relationship between these two conditions helps in understanding the risk and nature of shingles.

Choice B reason: Explaining that the risk of developing shingles decreases with age is incorrect. In fact, the risk of developing shingles increases with age, especially in individuals over 50. The immune system's ability to keep the varicella-zoster virus dormant decreases with age, leading to a higher likelihood of reactivation as shingles. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate for client education.

Choice C reason: Affirming that a person with shingles has a history of chickenpox infection is accurate. Shingles occurs when the dormant varicella-zoster virus reactivates in someone who has previously had chickenpox. This information helps the client understand the connection between past chickenpox infection and the potential for developing shingles.

Choice D reason: Asking the client to describe the type of shingles that her brother has is not relevant to the client's own risk or education about shingles. The focus should be on providing accurate information about shingles and its relation to chickenpox, not on the details of another person's condition.

Choice E reason: Instructing the client to report the development of fatigue and low-grade fever is important because these can be early symptoms of shingles. Early identification and treatment of shingles can help manage symptoms and reduce complications. Educating the client on what to watch for and when to seek medical attention is crucial for effective management.

Condition:

Postoperative infection

2 Actions:

1. Administer prescribed antibiotics.
2. Culture wound drainage.

2 Parameters:

1. Temperature.
2. White blood cell count.

Rationale for correct condition:

A postoperative infection is the most likely condition because the patient has elevated white blood cell count (11,000/mm³) and a slightly elevated temperature (99.8°F). These findings suggest a systemic inflammatory response, potentially from infection. The presence of a recent surgical wound increases the risk of bacterial contamination. The absence of redness or drainage does not rule out deeper tissue infection. The patient’s symptoms align with early signs of an infectious process.

Rationale for the two correct actions:

1. Administer prescribed antibiotics: Antibiotics target potential bacterial infection, which is critical to prevent further complications such as systemic infection or sepsis.
2. Culture wound drainage: This identifies the causative organism and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy. Even if the wound appears clean externally, culturing can confirm or rule out deeper infection.

Rationale for parameters to monitor:

1. Temperature: Monitoring temperature helps identify trends in fever, a common sign of infection progression or resolution.
2. White blood cell count: Elevated levels are a marker of infection or inflammation. Monitoring changes in WBC count can indicate if treatment is effective.

Rationale for incorrect conditions:

1. Surgical rash: A rash is not indicated in the notes, and the elevated WBC count and temperature do not suggest a dermatologic issue.
2. Contractures: No evidence suggests reduced mobility or positioning problems causing contractures.
3. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): The client’s normal vital signs and lack of redness or swelling in the residual limb make DVT less likely.

Rationale for incorrect actions to take:

1. Request NPO prescription: There is no evidence of gastrointestinal issues or surgery requiring this intervention.
2. Elevate residual limb to reduce swelling: While useful in managing swelling, there is no current sign of significant limb edema requiring elevation.
3. Educate on incentive spirometer use: This is preventive for respiratory complications but unrelated to infection management.

Rationale for incorrect parameters to monitor:

1. Adherence to activity prescription: While important for recovery, it does not directly address infection.
2. Residual limb redness or swelling: Although relevant to infection, there is no current evidence of redness or swelling in the notes.
3. Pain intensity and characteristics: Pain is already being managed with morphine, and its current level (5/10) does not directly indicate infection.