The nurse is caring for a school age child whose parent reports concern for the child's weight gain and obesity status. Which historical finding should the nurse recognize as potentially contributing to early obesity?

A. Monitor the client's white blood cell count. An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count indicates infection and inflammation. Since MRSA is a bacterial infection, monitoring WBC levels helps assess the severity of the infection and response to treatment.

B. Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity. A wound culture and sensitivity test confirm the presence of MRSA and determine the most effective antibiotic therapy. This is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance.

C. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors. MRSA is transmitted via direct contact, especially through wound drainage. Contact precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when handling the patient or contaminated materials to prevent the spread of infection.

D. Explain the purpose of a low bacteria diet. A low-bacteria diet (neutropenic diet) is used for immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, but it is not relevant for MRSA. The focus should be on infection control and wound care rather than dietary restrictions.

E. Use standard precautions and wear a mask. While standard precautions should always be followed, a mask is not necessary unless performing aerosol-generating procedures or if MRSA is present in the respiratory tract. In this case, contact precautions (gown and gloves) are the primary infection control measures.

A. Activation of exocytosis. Exocytosis is a cellular process used for releasing substances such as neurotransmitters or hormones, but it is not the primary response to inflammation. The immune response involves chemical mediators like histamine, prostaglandins, and cytokines, which increase vascular permeability.
B. Vasoconstriction. Vasodilation, not vasoconstriction, is a hallmark of inflammation. Initially, there may be a brief period of vasoconstriction, but the primary response is vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the inflamed area.
C. Decreased histamine production. Histamine production increases during inflammation, leading to vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. This allows immune cells to travel to the site of injury or infection.
D. Increased vascular permeability. The inflammatory response involves increased vascular permeability, allowing immune cells, proteins, and fluid to move from the bloodstream into tissues to fight infection and promote healing. This process leads to swelling (edema), redness, and warmth, which are classic signs of inflammation.