A nurse is providing care for a patient who is due for surgery.
The patient’s lab results and physical history are as follows: Prealbumin level is 13 mg/dL (normal range: 15 to 36 mg/dL), Cholesterol is 230 mg/dL (normal is less than 200 mg/dL), and Fasting glucose is 110 mg/dL (normal range: 70 to 110 mg/dL). The patient has a history of hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following factors could potentially delay the patient’s wound healing process?
The patient’s medication history
The patient’s cholesterol level
The patient’s prealbumin level
The patient’s fasting glucose level
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While a patient’s medication history can impact wound healing, in this case, there is no specific information provided about the patient’s medications that would suggest a delay in wound healing.
Choice B rationale
Although the patient’s cholesterol level is elevated, hyperlipidemia is not typically associated with delayed wound healing.
Choice C rationale
Prealbumin is a marker of nutritional status. A low prealbumin level, like in this patient, could indicate malnutrition, which can delay wound healing. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing as it provides the necessary building blocks for tissue repair.
Choice D rationale
The patient’s fasting glucose level is within the normal range, so it is unlikely to impact wound healing. While poorly controlled diabetes can delay wound healing, this patient’s diabetes appears to be well-controlled.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Discarding any residual gastric contents before administering the tube feeding is not necessary and could lead to unnecessary loss of nutrients and electrolytes.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the patient in a low Fowler’s position is not the optimal position for administering a tube feeding. The patient should be in an upright position to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale
Testing the pH of the gastric aspirate is an important step before administering a tube feeding. This helps to verify that the feeding tube is in the stomach and not in the lungs.
Choice D rationale
Warming the feeding solution to body temperature is not necessary and could potentially lead to bacterial growth in the feeding solution.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increased collagen is not a factor that would lead to a pressure injury in a client with impaired mobility. Collagen is a protein that helps in the formation of skin and other connective tissues.
Choice B rationale
Decreased serum calcium is not directly related to the development of pressure injuries. While calcium is important for bone health and muscle function, it does not play a direct role in skin integrity.
Choice C rationale
Increased muscle mass is not a risk factor for pressure injuries. In fact, good muscle mass can help distribute pressure more evenly and potentially reduce the risk of pressure injuries.
Choice D rationale
Decreased circulation is a major risk factor for the development of pressure injuries. When blood flow to an area of the body is reduced, the tissues in that area can become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and the formation of pressure injuries.
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