The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a systemic infection after a total knee replacement. Which diagnostic tests will be used to validate the presence of this infection?
Select all that apply.
A) Serum electrolyte levels
B) Urinalysis
C) White blood cell differential
D) White blood cell count
E) Wound culture
Answer: B, C, D, E
Serum electrolyte levels are not used to determine the presence of a systemic infection. Urinalysis is used to assess for the presence of bacteria or blood in the urine. An elevated WBC and 15% bands are indicative of an infection. Wound cultures are used to identify probable microorganisms.
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