A nurse receives report from the laboratory on a client who was ...

[WhattoUnderstand]

A nurse receives report from the laboratory on a client who was admitted for fever. The laboratory technician states that the client has a shift to the left on the white blood cell count. What action by the nurse is most important?
 
  a. Document findings and continue monitoring.
  b. Notify the provider and request antibiotics.
  c. Place the client in protective isolation.
  d. Tell the client this signifies inflammation.

Question 2

A client has a wound infection to the right arm. What comfort measure can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
 
  a. Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
  b. Order a fan to help cool the client if feverish.
  c. Place cool, wet cloths on top of the wound.
  d. Take the client's temperature every 4 hours.

[ky860224]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A shift to the left indicates an increase in immature neutrophils and is often seen in infections, especially those caused by bacteria. The nurse should notify the provider and request antibiotics. Documentation and teaching need to be done, but the nurse needs to do more. The client does not need protective isolation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart will help with swelling and pain. Fans are not recommended as they can disperse microbes. Having a cool, wet cloth on the wound may macerate the broken skin. Taking the client's temperature provides data but does not increase comfort.