Question

While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse 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 nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Answer 1

The nurse should note the client's white blood cell count before reporting a suspicious postoperative wound, as it can indicate an immune response to an infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before reporting the findings of a postoperative dressing where the wound appears red and swollen with yellow and green drainage and a foul odor, the nurse should note the client's white blood cell count (WBC). Elevated WBCs may suggest an ongoing infection, as an increased count is a common indicator of the body's immune response to infection. In addition to the WBC, other important values may include markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), or cultures to identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection. It's crucial to report these findings alongside the lab values to the healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and appropriate treatment plan, which might involve antibiotics or additional interventions like surgical debridement.