Practice Question
While caring for a client with full thickness burns covering 40% of the body, the nurse observes purulent drainage from the wounds. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider (HCP), the nurse should evaluate which laboratory value?
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Correct Answer:
Neutrophil count.
Rationale:
🌟 Purulent drainage from burn wounds is a strong indicator of infection, a major complication in clients with extensive burns due to skin barrier loss.
🌟 The neutrophil count (a type of white blood cell) is a key laboratory marker of infection and inflammation. Elevated neutrophils suggest an active infection, while low counts may indicate immunosuppression.
🌟 Monitoring neutrophil levels helps the nurse provide the provider with objective evidence to support clinical findings of infection.
🌟 Serum albumin reflects nutritional status, platelet count reflects clotting ability, and blood pH level reflects acid-base balance—but none directly confirm infection.
🌟 Since infection in burn patients can rapidly progress to sepsis, checking the neutrophil count is most relevant before reporting to the HCP.
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This question is from HESI RN Med-Surg Fall 2024. which contains 40 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: HESI Exam(s)
- Domain: Hesi MedSurg
- Answer Choices: 4