A nurse is planning discharge for a client who had a lung resection. The nurse initiates a referral for a social worker. Which of the following assessment data supports this referral?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because an increase in serosanguineous exudate (a mixture of blood and clear fluid) from a client's wound indicates infection, inflammation, or trauma to the wound. This is a sign of wound deterioration, not healing.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because a deep red color on the center of a client's wound indicates granulation tissue, which is new tissue that forms during the healing process. Granulation tissue fills the wound bed and provides a foundation for epithelialization (the growth of new skin over the wound).

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because erythema (redness) on the skin surrounding a client's wound indicates irritation, inflammation, or infection of the skin. This is a sign of wound complication, not healing.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because inflammation on the tissue edges of a client's wound indicates infection, trauma, or necrosis (death) of the tissue. This is a sign of wound impairment, not healing.

Choice A reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is not complex or chronic. The nurse can manage the client's care by monitoring their vital signs, fluid intake and output, and hydration status. The nurse can also educate the client on how to prevent orthostatic hypotension by changing positions slowly and wearing compression stockings.

Choice B reason: This client does not need an interdisciplinary conference because their condition is well-controlled and self-managed. The nurse can manage the client's care by checking their blood glucose levels, administering insulin as prescribed, and providing dietary and lifestyle education. The nurse can also collaborate with the diabetes educator or the endocrinologist if needed.

Choice C reason: Although this client is at risk for pressure ulcers, their albumin level is within the normal range, indicating adequate nutritional status. Low albumin levels are often associated with poor wound healing and increased risk of skin breakdown, but in this case, nutrition does not appear to be a concern. Preventive measures, such as regular repositioning, skin assessments, and pressure-relieving devices, can be implemented by nursing staff without requiring an interdisciplinary meeting.

Choice D reason:This client is the most appropriate candidate for an interdisciplinary conference. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a critical lab value for monitoring heparin therapy, and a level of 34 seconds is below the therapeutic range. A subtherapeutic aPTT increases the risk of clot formation, indicating that the heparin dose may need to be adjusted. An interdisciplinary team, including the physician, pharmacist, nurse, and laboratory personnel, should collaborate to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation management. This conference would allow for a discussion on dosage adjustments, potential medication interactions, and continued monitoring to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.