Which laboratory test abnormality in a client with a disabling condition alerts a nurse to an increased risk for skin breakdown?

A. Low serum albumin level
B. High serum transferrin level
C. Low serum carboxyhemoglobin
D. High serum hematocrit


A
A low serum albumin level indicates less than adequate nutrition, especially of proteins, which greatly increases the risk for skin breakdown and reduces the rate of wound healing. Protein is a critical nutrient for stimulating DNA synthesis, cell division, and tissue repair.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A public health nurse understands that health promotion should continue across the lifespan. When planning health promotion initiatives, when in the lifespan should health promotion begin?

A) Adolescence B) School age C) Preschool D) Before birth

Nursing

The nurse is changing the client's dressing on a postoperative nondraining wound. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) would the nurse don prior to the dressing change?

1. Sterile gown, mask, and sterile gloves 2. Sterile gown, mask, and goggles 3. Sterile gloves and mask 4. Sterile gloves

Nursing

While palpating Ms. Hall's breast tissue, the nurse detects three lumps. Which characteristic is associated with lumps found in cystic breast disease?

A) Immobile B) Hard C) Irregular D) Tender

Nursing

Which strategy could the nurse use to avoid disparity in healthcare delivery?

1. Recognize the cultural issue related to patient care. 2. Request more health plan options. 3. Care for more patients even if quality suffers. 4. Campaign for fixed nurse-patient ratios.

Nursing