The nurse is caring for Mr. Able, age 46, who has gout. Which of these morning laboratory values does the nurse monitor for this patient?

A. Incontinence (bowel or urinary): While incontinence may occur in stroke patients, it is not the primary concern for someone with hemianopsia, a visual impairment.
B. Impaired skin integrity: Although this is important, particularly for immobile patients, it is not directly related to hemianopsia.
C. Disturbed sensory perception: Hemianopsia results in the loss of half the field of vision in one or both eyes, leading to disturbed sensory perception. This is a priority because it directly affects the patient's ability to navigate their environment safely.
D. Imbalanced nutrition: Although important, this is not the immediate concern related to hemianopsia.

A. Lying prone as prescribed: While lying prone can help prevent hip flexion contractures, it is not directly related to promoting ambulation. It is typically part of post-operative care to prevent contractures in the hip, but ambulation primarily depends on upper body strength and prosthetic training.
B. Maintaining residual limb elevation: Elevation of the residual limb is important immediately postoperatively to reduce swelling, but prolonged elevation can lead to contractures, which can hinder ambulation.
C. Promoting coordination exercises: Coordination is important, but for ambulation, building strength, especially in the upper body, is crucial to support the use of assistive devices and maintaining balance.
D. Building upper body strength: This is essential for promoting ambulation as it helps the patient in using assistive devices like crutches or walkers and in transferring safely. Upper body strength is crucial for balance and mobility with a prosthetic limb.