An adult male client is admitted to the medical unit because of a loss of appetite and generalized malaise. His complete blood count (CBC) results indicate a white blood cell (WBC) count of 8,000/mm³ (8 x 10⁹/L), basophils 1% (0.01 fraction), platelets 98,000/mm³ (98 x 10⁹/L), hemoglobin of 14 g/dL (8.7 mmol/L), and hematocrit of 44.9% (0.44 volume fraction). The practical nurse (PN) should assess the client for which finding?

Reference Range:

• White Blood Cell (WBC): 5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 x 10⁹/L)
• Basophils: 0.5 to 1.0% (0.01 to 0.05 x 10⁹/L)
• Platelets: 150,000 to 400,000/mm³ (150 to 400 x 10⁹/L)
• Hemoglobin (Hgb): 14 to 18 g/dL (8.69 to 11.17 mmol/L)
• Hematocrit (Hct): 42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)

Choice A reason: While respiratory rate is an important vital sign to monitor, changes in respiratory rate are not the most critical indicator of an imminent complication related to an abdominal aneurysm. Respiratory rate can be influenced by various factors such as pain, anxiety, or underlying respiratory conditions. However, it does not directly correlate with the risk of aneurysm rupture, which is the primary concern in clients with an abdominal aneurysm.
Choice B reason: Urinary output is an important indicator of renal function and overall fluid balance. However, changes in urinary output are not the most immediate concern in the context of an abdominal aneurysm. While it is essential to monitor urine output to ensure adequate kidney function, it is not the primary parameter that would signal an imminent complication or rupture of the aneurysm.
Choice C reason: Temperature can provide valuable information about the presence of an infection or systemic inflammation. However, changes in temperature are not directly related to the risk of aneurysm rupture. Although an elevated temperature may warrant further investigation, it is not the most critical finding to report in the context of an abdominal aneurysm.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure is the most important assessment finding to monitor and report in a client with an abdominal aneurysm. Elevated blood pressure can increase the risk of aneurysm rupture due to the added stress on the arterial wall. Conversely, a sudden drop in blood pressure can indicate a potential rupture or internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency. Monitoring and reporting changes in blood pressure are crucial in providing timely interventions to prevent or address complications related to an abdominal aneurysm.

Choice A reason: Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day is highly significant in planning the client's rehabilitation following a myocardial infarction. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and continuing to smoke can significantly hinder recovery and increase the risk of future cardiac events. Addressing this behavior is crucial for improving the client's long-term health outcomes. Smoking cessation should be a primary focus of the rehabilitation plan, and the client should be provided with resources and support to quit smoking, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or medications.
Choice B reason: Expressing a desire to change one's lifestyle is a positive and encouraging sign. It indicates the client's motivation to adopt healthier habits, which is essential for successful rehabilitation. However, while this is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing specific risk factors, such as smoking, that have a direct and significant impact on the client's recovery and future health. The desire to change is a valuable component of the rehabilitation process, but it should be coupled with targeted interventions to address critical behaviors like smoking.
Choice C reason: Drinking 1 to 2 glasses of red wine daily may have both positive and negative health implications. Moderate alcohol consumption has been suggested to have some cardiovascular benefits, but it can also pose risks, especially if not monitored. While this information is relevant to the client's overall lifestyle, it is not as immediately critical as addressing smoking, which has a well-documented and direct impact on cardiovascular health. The client's alcohol consumption can be discussed as part of the broader lifestyle changes during rehabilitation.
Choice D reason: Walking four city blocks to work each day indicates a level of physical activity that is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Encouraging regular physical activity is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. However, compared to the impact of smoking, this information is less critical in the immediate planning of the client's rehabilitation. The focus should be on eliminating harmful behaviors like smoking, while also promoting continued and possibly increased physical activity as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.