Question

Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a burn injury. Which laboratory finding requires the need for follow-up by the nurse?

a.Glucose level of 99 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L)
b.Magnesium level of 1.5 mEq/L (0.75 mmol/L)
c.Platelet level of 300,000 mm3 (300 × 109/L)
d.White blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L)

Answer 1

The laboratory finding that requires follow-up by the nurse for a client with a burn injury prescribed with silver sulfadiazine is a low white blood cell count.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory finding that requires follow-up by the nurse for a client with a burn injury prescribed with silver sulfadiazine is a white blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L). A white blood cell count below the normal range can indicate a decreased immune response, which is a concern in burn patients as they are at a higher risk for infection.