Question

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

1. Glucose level of 99 mg/dL
2. Magnesium level of 1.5 mEq/L
3. Platelet level of 300,000
4. White blood cell count of 3000

Answer 1

4.

Step-by-step explanation:

Generally the normal range of WBC counts in adult is between 3,500/4000 -11000/ microliter of blood. Therefore a value of 3000, is an indication of low WBC counts.(Leukopenia).

Based on this the nurse should therefore focus on the low WBC counts. it is a sign of suppression of the immune response or disruption of immune mechanisms due to entry of bacteria as a result of loss of protective functions of the epidermal layers.

The nurse should therefore reason, that opportunistic infections were already spreading through the burns or specifically sepsis may be spreading.

Thus Silver Sulfadiazine may not be the only idea prescription for the patients, intake of antibiotics should be recommended.

Answer 2

The options

1. Glucose level of 99 mg/dL

2. Magnesium level of 1.5 mEq/L

3. Platelet level of 300,000

4. White blood cell count of 3000

The CORRECT ANSWER IS 4.

4. White blood cell count of 3000

Step-by-step explanation:

Silver sulfadiazine is employed in the dressing of burn injuries. Adverse effects of this medication are noticeably rash and itching, blue green or gray skin distortion in colour, leukopenia, and interstitial nephritis.

The nurse should carefully analyse the client whole blood count, specifically the white blood cells, more often for the client who is kept under this medication.

If leukopenia progresses or is being diagnosed, the healthcare provider is alerted of the development and the medication is mostly stopped.

The white blood cell count brought in an indication of leukopenia.

IThet us important to note that the rest laboratory parameters given are not in certainty to the particular medication, and can be seen to be in the normal limits.