A recent campaign, initiated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to delay the emergence of antibiotic resistance in hospitals, has what as one of its objectives?

A. BUN: Blood urea nitrogen reflects kidney function and hydration status, not infection. Elevated BUN levels are usually associated with dehydration or renal impairment rather than a pressure ulcer infection.

B. WBC count: An elevated white blood cell count indicates the body’s immune response to infection. In the context of a pressure ulcer, an increase suggests the presence of local or systemic infection that requires intervention.

C. RBC count: Red blood cell levels reflect oxygen-carrying capacity and are related to anemia or blood loss. An elevated or decreased RBC count does not directly indicate infection.

D. Potassium: Potassium levels are associated with electrolyte balance and cardiac or neuromuscular function. Changes in potassium do not provide direct evidence of infection in a client with a pressure ulcer.

A. Furrows in the tongue: Dehydration often causes dryness of the oral mucosa and the tongue, leading to prominent furrows or deep grooves. This is a common assessment finding in older adults because their thirst sensation is diminished, making them more prone to dehydration.

B. Protruding eyeballs: Proptosis is not related to dehydration but rather to conditions like hyperthyroidism or orbital tumors. Dehydration instead may cause sunken eyes due to fluid volume loss.

C. Elevated blood pressure: Dehydration typically leads to decreased circulating blood volume, resulting in low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension rather than an elevation in blood pressure.

D. Hypothermia: Dehydration more commonly causes fever or increased body temperature due to impaired thermoregulation. Hypothermia is not a usual manifestation of dehydration in older adults.