A nurse is performing blood glucose monitoring on a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Postoperative clients require close monitoring for early signs of infection, especially within the first few days after surgery when surgical sites are most vulnerable. Infection can develop due to bacterial contamination, impaired tissue healing, or compromised immunity. Common indicators include systemic inflammatory responses such as fever, leukocytosis, and localized signs at the incision site. Nurses must differentiate normal postoperative changes from findings that suggest infection to ensure timely intervention.

Rationale:
A. A temperature of 37.2°C (99.0°F) is within normal or low-grade postoperative range and does not indicate infection. Mild temperature elevations can occur after surgery due to atelectasis or the inflammatory healing process. It is not a reliable indicator of infection on its own.

B. Increased urinary output is not associated with postoperative infection. In fact, infection or sepsis may initially present with decreased urine output due to poor perfusion. Increased output is more likely related to fluid administration or improved renal perfusion.

C. A pain rating of 4/10 is expected in a postoperative client and is not specific for infection. Postoperative pain typically decreases gradually with healing. Infection-related pain is often worsening, localized, and associated with other inflammatory signs rather than a moderate stable pain score.

D. An elevated WBC count is a key indicator of infection because it reflects the body’s immune response to invading pathogens. In a client who is 2 days post abdominal surgery, leukocytosis may suggest developing surgical site infection or intra-abdominal infection. In conditions involving postoperative monitoring such as Postoperative infection, elevated WBCs warrant further assessment and possible intervention.

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist commonly prescribed for conditions such as bronchitis and asthma to relieve bronchospasm. It works by relaxing smooth muscle in the bronchial walls, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. Patient education focuses on understanding its rapid onset of action, correct inhaler use, and expected therapeutic effects. It does not treat infection or directly affect mucus production.

Rationale:
A. Albuterol does not cause drowsiness; instead, it may cause CNS stimulation leading to nervousness, tremors, or insomnia. Sedation is not an expected or therapeutic effect of this medication. Therefore, this statement is incorrect and may indicate confusion about side effects.

B. Waiting 10 seconds between inhalations is not the correct instruction for albuterol administration. The recommended practice is typically to wait about 1 minute between puffs to allow adequate dispersion and absorption of the first dose. However, the key therapeutic effect is still bronchodilation, not timing alone.

C. Albuterol works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, resulting in relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and widening of the airways. This improves airflow and reduces symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath in conditions like Bronchitis. This statement correctly describes the medication’s primary therapeutic action.

D. Albuterol does not thin mucus secretions; it has no mucolytic properties. Medications that thin mucus, such as guaifenesin, work through a different mechanism. Confusing bronchodilation with mucus thinning reflects a misunderstanding of the drug’s action.