Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Skin Problems Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Skin Problems related questions and content

A nurse evaluates the following data in a clients chart: 66-year-old male with a health history of cerebral vascular accident and left-side paralysis, white blood cell count: 8000/mm^3, prealbumin: 15.2 mg/dL, albumin: 4.2 g/dL, lymphocyte count: 2000/mm^3, sacral ulcer 4 cm x 2 cm x 1.5 cm. Based on this information, which action should the nurse take?

  • A. Consult a dietitian to increase nutritional intake.
  • B. Apply a transparent film dressing to the ulcer.
  • C. Reposition the client every 4 hours.
  • D. Administer antibiotics for wound infection.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The prealbumin level of 15.2 mg/dL is low (normal range is typically 15"?36 mg/dL), indicating potential malnutrition, which can impair wound healing. Consulting a dietitian to optimize nutritional intake is the priority to support tissue repair. The white blood cell count is normal, so antibiotics are not indicated. Transparent film dressings are not suitable for deep ulcers, and repositioning should occur more frequently than every 4 hours.