While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the practical nurse (PN) 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 PN should evaluate 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
The correct answer is choice B: Culture for sensitive organisms.
- Choice A rationale:
- C-reactive protein level - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. While it could indicate an infection, it is not specific enough to identify the type of infection or the causative organism.
- Choice B rationale:
- Culture for sensitive organisms - When a wound has a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor, it is often a sign of a bacterial infection. A culture for sensitive organisms can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment.
- Choice C rationale:
- Serum albumin - Serum albumin levels can indicate a person’s nutritional status. Low levels can slow wound healing, but they do not directly indicate the presence of an infection.
- Choice D rationale:
- Serum blood glucose (BG) level - High blood glucose levels can impair the immune response and slow wound healing, making a person more susceptible to infections. However, like CRP, it does not provide information about the specific organism causing the infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination is recommended for adults aged 60 years and older, regardless of whether they have had shingles or chicken pox before. The vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.
The other options are not correct because:
A. The vaccine is useful even if the person has had a case of shingles before, as shingles can recur in some people. The vaccine can prevent or reduce the severity of future episodes.
C. The person needs to get this vaccination even if they have had chickenpox, as shingles are caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). The vaccine can boost the immunity against the virus and prevent it from reactivating.
D. The vaccination does not minimize outbreaks of cold sores, as cold sores are caused by a different virus (herpes simplex virus). The vaccine has no effect on this virus or its symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the finding that the PN should instruct the postpartum client to report to the charge nurse because it may indicate an infection, such as endometritis, mastitis, or urinary tract infection, that requires prompt treatment.
The PN should also instruct the client to monitor for other signs of infection, such as foul-smelling lochia, redness or tenderness of the breasts, or dysuria.
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