While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse observes a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?
C-reactive protein level.
Culture for sensitive organisms.
Serum albumin.
Serum blood glucose (BG) level.
The Correct Answer is B
A. CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation or infection. Measuring the CRP level can help confirm the presence of an inflammatory process, such as infection, and monitor the severity of inflammation. However, while useful, CRP alone might not provide the complete picture needed for specific wound management.
B. Culturing the wound for sensitive organisms is crucial when an infection is suspected. This test will identify the specific bacteria or other pathogens causing the infection and determine their sensitivity to various antibiotics. This information is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment to address the infection effectively.
C. Serum albumin levels provide information about the client’s nutritional status and can reflect protein malnutrition. Low serum albumin levels can indicate poor wound healing due to inadequate protein levels, which affects tissue repair. While serum albumin is important for understanding overall nutritional status, it does not directly diagnose or confirm infection.
D. Blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially in diabetic patients, as high blood glucose can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections. However, blood glucose levels are more related to the client's ability to heal rather than directly identifying or managing an infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation or infection. Measuring the CRP level can help confirm the presence of an inflammatory process, such as infection, and monitor the severity of inflammation. However, while useful, CRP alone might not provide the complete picture needed for specific wound management.
B. Culturing the wound for sensitive organisms is crucial when an infection is suspected. This test will identify the specific bacteria or other pathogens causing the infection and determine their sensitivity to various antibiotics. This information is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment to address the infection effectively.
C. Serum albumin levels provide information about the client’s nutritional status and can reflect protein malnutrition. Low serum albumin levels can indicate poor wound healing due to inadequate protein levels, which affects tissue repair. While serum albumin is important for understanding overall nutritional status, it does not directly diagnose or confirm infection.
D. Blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially in diabetic patients, as high blood glucose can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections. However, blood glucose levels are more related to the client's ability to heal rather than directly identifying or managing an infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While avoiding friction can help to prevent skin breakdown, it's not the most important intervention for this client. Frequent position changes are more effective in reducing pressure on the skin and preventing ulcers.
B. Nutrition is important for overall health, but it's not the most immediate concern in this case. Preventing pressure ulcers is the priority.
C. While keeping the skin clean and dry is important, it's not the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Frequent position changes are more important for reducing pressure on the skin.
D. The most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile clients is to change their position frequently. This helps to relieve pressure on bony areas and promote circulation to the skin. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can help to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers.
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