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

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

An older client with diabetes is admitted with a heavily draining leg wound. The client's white blood cell count is 38,000/mm³ but the client is afebrile. What action does the nurse take first?

  • A. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • B. Place the client on contact isolation
  • C. Refer the client to the wound care nurse
  • D. Obtain wound cultures
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A heavily draining wound suggests potential infection, and the elevated white blood cell count supports this. Placing the client on contact isolation is the priority to prevent the spread of infection. Acetaminophen is unnecessary without fever, wound cultures follow isolation, and referral to a wound care nurse is secondary.