While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?

Hematocrit.

Neutrophil count.

Platelet count.

Serum sodium level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.

Choice B rationale

Neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. An elevated neutrophil count can indicate an infection, making it the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.

Choice C rationale

Platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood. While platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, they are not directly related to infection and therefore not the most relevant lab value to check in this scenario.

Choice D rationale

Serum sodium level is a measure of the amount of sodium in the blood. While it can be affected by various conditions, it is not the most relevant lab value to check when purulent drainage is noticed at a postoperative patient’s dressing site.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Keeping the infant home from daycare for the next two days after vaccination is not necessary unless the child is showing signs of serious side effects, which are rare. Most vaccines have mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, which should not interfere with the child’s daily activities.

Choice B rationale

Applying a cool, damp cloth or a cool pack to the injection site can help reduce redness, soreness, and/or swelling. This is a common practice recommended by healthcare professionals to alleviate discomfort after vaccination.

Choice C rationale

It is not recommended to administer aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and brain. Instead, if the child is uncomfortable or has a fever, parents can consult with a healthcare provider about giving a non-aspirin pain reliever.

Choice D rationale

While any level of fever after vaccination should be monitored, it is not always serious and should not cause panic. Fevers are a common side effect of vaccinations and are usually a sign that the body is building protection against the virus or bacteria in the vaccine. However, if a high fever persists or the child shows signs of an allergic reaction, parents should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

A. Uterine atony B. Wound dehiscence C. Infection D. Hemorrhage

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Uterine atony refers to a condition where the uterus fails to contract sufficiently during and after childbirth. This lack of contraction can lead to excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is because the contractions of the uterus after delivery help to compress the blood vessels and prevent bleeding. Therefore, uterine atony can cause a patient to hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale

Wound dehiscence refers to a surgical complication where an incision reopens either internally or externally. It can cause pain, infection, and organ protrusion. However, it is not directly associated with hemorrhaging.

Choice C rationale

Infection refers to the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. While severe infections can lead to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can cause bleeding, they do not directly cause hemorrhaging.

Choice D rationale

Hemorrhage is a symptom, not a condition. It refers to excessive bleeding which can occur due to various conditions, including uterine atony.

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While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?

Nursing Test Bank

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While changing a postoperative patient’s dressing, the nurse notices purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this to the healthcare provider, which of the patient’s lab values should the nurse check?