While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Serum sodium level.

Hematocrit.

Neutrophil count.

Platelet count.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Serum sodium level. Rationale: While electrolyte imbalances can be significant, in the context of purulent drainage at a postoperative site, monitoring serum sodium levels is not the top priority. Other laboratory values are more relevant in this situation.

Choice B rationale:

Hematocrit. Rationale: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Neutrophil count. Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response, particularly against bacterial infections. Elevated neutrophil counts can indicate an ongoing infection, so monitoring this value is important when assessing purulent wound drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Platelet count. Rationale: Platelet count measures the number of blood clotting cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Providing information about the client's healthcare power of attorney is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client's change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale:

While the reason for the client's admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client's acute change in mental status.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should be aware of the client's currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client's sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client's altered mental status.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client's immediate needs.

A. Ask the wife to stop and assess the client's swallowing reflex. B. Give the wife a straw to help facilitate the client's drinking. C. Assist the wife and carefully give the client small sips of water. D. Obtain thickening powder before providing any more fluids.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice B rationale:
Giving the wife a straw to help facilitate the client's drinking is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The client's facial paralysis and inability to move his left side could be indicative of a possible stroke or cerebral vascular accident (CVA). Before attempting to give the client fluids, it is essential to assess his swallowing reflex to prevent aspiration and ensure safety. Using a straw may not address the underlying issue.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the wife and carefully giving the client small sips of water without assessing the swallowing reflex can be risky. If the client has impaired swallowing, this action could lead to aspiration and further complications. Assessing the client's ability to swallow is the priority to ensure safe oral intake.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining thickening powder before providing any more fluids is premature without first assessing the client's swallowing ability. Thickened liquids may be necessary if the client has dysphagia, but the nurse should assess the client's condition and consult with the healthcare provider before making this decision. Assessing the swallowing reflex is the first step in determining the appropriate course of action.

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While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site.Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?