Struggling to breathe, an older adult client with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted through the emergency department. The client is anxious and considering mechanical ventilation when the spouse interrupts the nurse and hands the nurse a copy of the client’s living will. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Choice A reason: Yellow purulent drainage indicates wound infection, likely from bacterial proliferation (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) causing pus. This serious complication risks delayed healing, abscess, or sepsis, necessitating provider notification for cultures, antibiotics, or surgical intervention. Infection disrupts tissue repair, requiring urgent management to prevent systemic spread or wound dehiscence.

Choice B reason: Pink granulation tissue is normal in wound healing, reflecting angiogenesis and fibroblast activity during the proliferative phase. It indicates healthy tissue formation, not requiring notification. Purulent drainage, however, signals infection, a critical issue disrupting healing and risking complications, making it the priority finding for reporting.

Choice C reason: Serosanguineous fluid, a mix of serum and blood, is expected in early surgical wounds as capillaries heal. It does not indicate infection unless excessive. Purulent drainage is more urgent, directly suggesting bacterial infection, which can lead to serious complications like sepsis, requiring immediate provider attention.

Choice D reason: Approximated wound edges indicate proper closure and healing, reducing scarring and infection risk. This positive finding does not warrant notification. Yellow purulent drainage, conversely, signals infection, a critical complication requiring urgent intervention to prevent further tissue damage or systemic infection, making it the priority.

Choice A reason: A blood pressure of 100/80 mm Hg is low but not specific for renal perfusion without context. Urinary output directly reflects kidney function, with 30 mL/hour indicating possible oliguria. Monitoring output is critical, per renal assessment and acute kidney injury management protocols in nursing care.

Choice B reason: Abdominal pulse on inspection is unrelated to renal perfusion, typically indicating vascular issues like aneurysms. Urinary output is a direct indicator of kidney function, with 30 mL/hour suggesting reduced perfusion. This is irrelevant, per renal assessment and diagnostic standards in nephrology nursing.

Choice C reason: Urinalysis with 1 to 4 WBC/lpf is within normal range and suggests no infection. Urinary output of 30 mL/hour is concerning for decreased renal perfusion, requiring close monitoring. WBCs are less critical, per renal function and acute kidney injury assessment guidelines in nursing.

Choice D reason: Urinary output of 30 mL/hour indicates possible oliguria, a key sign of decreased renal perfusion. Monitoring this parameter assesses kidney function, guiding interventions to prevent acute kidney injury. It is the most direct indicator, per renal perfusion and critical care protocols in nephrology nursing practice.