A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for surgery.

Exhibits

The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for delayed wound healing. Select all that apply.

A. Administer an antibiotic: There is no indication of infection; WBC count is normal, and the client is afebrile. The reported symptoms relate to lifestyle and substance use rather than a bacterial illness, making antibiotics unnecessary.

B. Limit alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day: The client uses 4–5 beers nightly to sleep, indicating alcohol misuse that can exacerbate hypertension and negatively impact sleep quality. Limiting intake supports cardiovascular and liver health, and aligns with public health recommendations.

C. Limit foods high in potassium: The client’s potassium level is within the normal range (3.7 mEq/L), and there is no evidence of kidney dysfunction or hyperkalemia. Restricting potassium is unwarranted and could risk deficiency.

D. Administer a diuretic: The client has elevated blood pressure (162/90 mm Hg), which may require pharmacologic intervention. Diuretics are a common first-line treatment for hypertension as they reduce fluid overload and vascular resistance.

E. Keep daily fat intake to less than 35%: The client’s LDL (210 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (248 mg/dL) levels are significantly elevated. Reducing total fat intake, particularly saturated fats, is essential for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

F. Place on 2,300 mg sodium diet: A sodium-restricted diet is standard for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to help control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular complications.

A. Scrubs hands with antibacterial soap for 10 seconds: The recommended duration for effective handwashing is at least 20 seconds to ensure adequate removal of microbes and reduce infection risk. Washing for only 10 seconds is insufficient to properly cleanse the hands.

B. Washes his hands under hot running water: Using hot water can cause skin irritation and dryness, which may lead to compromised skin integrity. Warm or cold water is recommended as it effectively removes germs without damaging the skin.

C. Uses firm, circular motions to wash his hands: Using firm, circular motions ensures thorough cleansing of all hand surfaces, including between fingers and around nails. This technique promotes effective removal of dirt and microorganisms and is consistent with hand hygiene best practices.

D. Dries his hands from the forearms to the fingers: Drying should always proceed from the fingertips toward the forearms to prevent recontamination of clean hands. Drying from forearms to fingers can transfer contaminants back to the hands, defeating the purpose of handwashing.