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. Continues to take a prescribed vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for older adults to support bone health and calcium absorption. This does not require additional follow-up.
B. Usually eats an additional serving of protein-rich foods daily. Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in older adults. This is a positive nutritional habit and does not indicate a concern.
C. Takes 1200 mg of an over-the-counter calcium supplement daily. This is within the recommended daily intake for older adults (1,000-1,200 mg/day) to maintain bone health. Excess calcium intake should be monitored, but this amount alone does not require urgent follow-up.
D. Ate approximately 1,200 calories daily for the past two weeks. Older adults typically need at least 1,500-2,000 calories per day, depending on activity level and health conditions. A prolonged intake of only 1,200 calories per day may indicate malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, or inadequate nutrient intake, requiring further evaluation.