A nurse is preparing nasopharyngeal suctioning for an adult client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

A) Decreased platelets: A decrease in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) is often associated with conditions such as bleeding disorders, bone marrow problems, or certain infections, but it is not a direct indicator of infection. While infections can cause a drop in platelets, this is not a specific or primary indicator of infection.

B) Decreased hemoglobin: A decrease in hemoglobin is typically indicative of anemia, which can result from a variety of causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, or blood loss. While anemia can be associated with some infections, it is not a specific indicator of infection.

C) Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): An increased ESR is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation in the body and can be associated with infections, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly elevated during infections, as the body responds to the inflammatory process. Therefore, an elevated ESR is a useful laboratory finding when suspecting an infection.

D) Increased iron level: Increased iron levels are typically associated with conditions such as hemochromatosis or iron overload, not with infections. During infections, iron levels can actually decrease due to the body's response to restrict iron availability to pathogens.

The nurse anticipates the client will likely require blood transfusion as evidenced by the client’s low hemoglobin and low hematocrit.

Rationale:

(i)

B. Blood transfusion: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss. A blood transfusion may be necessary to restore adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and prevent further hemodynamic instability.

(ii)

C. Low hemoglobin: A hemoglobin level below normal indicates blood loss, likely from a bleeding peptic ulcer. This finding supports the need for intervention to prevent further complications such as hypoxia or shock.

F. Low hematocrit: A low hematocrit confirms anemia and blood volume depletion. This finding, along with the client's symptoms and history of dark, tarry stools, further supports the need for a blood transfusion.

Incorrect:

(i)

A. Proton pump inhibitor therapy: While PPIs are essential for ulcer management, they do not immediately address acute blood loss

C. Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are needed to eradicate H. pylori, but they are not the primary intervention for anemia.

D. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if bleeding is severe and refractory to medical management.

E. Intravenous fluid resuscitation: IV fluids can help stabilize blood pressure but do not directly correct anemia.

(ii)

A. Elevated white blood cell count: The client’s WBC count is normal, making it irrelevant to this scenario.

B. Positive H. pylori test: While H. pylori is the likely cause of the ulcer, this result does not directly indicate the need for a blood transfusion.

D. Epigastric tenderness: This is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease but does not directly relate to the need for a blood transfusion.

E. Dark, tarry stools: While indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, the direct lab evidence of anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit) is more critical in determining the need for transfusion.