An nurse is caring for a client who has acute osteomyelitis. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?

Choice A reason: Color is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Color can indicate the type and severity of the wound infection or inflammation. For example, yellow or green exudate may indicate a bacterial infection, while red or brown exudate may indicate bleeding or necrosis.

Choice B reason: Odor is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Odor can indicate the presence and type of microorganisms in the wound. For example, a foul or putrid odor may indicate anaerobic bacteria, while a sweet or fruity odor may indicate pseudomonas.

Choice C reason: Heat is not a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Heat is a sign of inflammation that can be assessed by palpating the skin around the wound, not by observing the exudate. Heat does not directly reflect the quality or quantity of the exudate.

Choice D reason: Consistency is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Consistency can indicate the viscosity and composition of the exudate. For example, thin or watery exudate may indicate a serous or serosanguineous fluid, while thick or creamy exudate may indicate a purulent or fibrinous fluid.

Choice E reason: Amount is a characteristic of exudate that should be included when documenting it. Amount can indicate the extent and stage of the wound healing process. For example, a large amount of exudate may indicate a high level of inflammation or infection, while a small amount of exudate may indicate a low level of inflammation or infection.

Choice A reason: Calling a chaplain is not the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The chaplain may not be available or may not be able to provide adequate support to the spouse. This choice does not address the client’s urgent medical needs or the spouse’s emotional needs.

Choice B reason: Maintaining the client’s blood pressure is the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs, administer fluids and medications, and provide oxygen as ordered. This choice addresses the client’s urgent medical needs and may prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Providing the spouse a chair is not the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The spouse may not want to sit down or may not be able to stay calm. This choice does not address the client’s urgent medical needs or the spouse’s emotional needs.

Choice D reason: Asking the client’s spouse to explain what happened is not the priority nursing action for a client who is in critical condition and hypotensive. The spouse may not be able to recall or communicate the details of the event. This choice does not address the client’s urgent medical needs or the spouse’s emotional needs.