A client with fair skin, who is an avid runner, is diagnosed with malignant melanoma, located on the lateral surface of the lower leg. After a wide margin resection, the nurse provides discharge teaching. It is most important for the nurse to emphasize the need to observe for changes in which characteristic?

A. Serum blood glucose 185 mg/dL (10.2 mmol/L) (Incorrect): Although lower than the previous reading, it is still elevated, which can impair healing and increase the risk of infection recurrence.
B. Temperature 98.8°F (37.1°C) (Therapeutic Response): A return to a normal temperature indicates resolution of systemic infection. Fever is a sign of active infection, so its absence suggests improvement.
C. White blood cell count 11.2 x 10³/μL (11.2 x 10⁹/L) (Incorrect): This is slightly elevated, which may indicate residual inflammation or infection. A further decrease would be expected for full resolution.
D. Capillary refill greater than 3 seconds bilateral lower extremities (Incorrect): Delayed capillary refill suggests impaired circulation, which is not an indicator of a fully therapeutic response.
E. Bilateral lower extremities skin warm, dry, and pink (Therapeutic Response): Improved skin condition suggests reduced inflammation, better circulation, and healing of the cellulitis-affected area.
F. Pain 2 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, bilateral lower legs described as neuropathic (Therapeutic Response): Pain related to cellulitis typically improves with treatment. If the remaining pain is neuropathic, it suggests resolution of the acute infection.

A. Developmental stage. While understanding the client’s psychosocial needs is important, the ability to perform daily activities and remain independent is more critical in determining the best living environment.
B. Functional capacity. The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) is the most important factor in determining the appropriate living environment. Clients with limited mobility, cognitive decline, or difficulty managing self-care may require assisted living or skilled nursing care.
C. Age and gender. Age and gender alone do not determine the need for a particular living environment. Some older adults remain independent well into their later years, while others may require assistance at a younger age due to functional decline.
D. Medical diagnoses. While medical conditions influence care needs, they do not solely determine living arrangements. A client with a chronic illness who maintains functional independence may still live at home, whereas a client with minimal medical issues but significant functional decline may require assisted care.