A client with a pressure ulcer has the following laboratory values: white blood count 8000/mm3, prealbumin 15.2 mg/dL, albumin 4.2 mg/dL, and lymphocyte count 2000/mm3 . Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Document the findings.
b. Request a dietary consult.
c. Place the client in isolation.
d. Assess the client's vital signs.
B
Albumin, prealbumin, and lymphocyte counts all give information related to nutritional status. The albumin and lymphocyte counts given are normal. The white blood cell count is not directly related to nutritional status. The prealbumin count is low and is a more specific indicator of nu-tritional status than is the albumin count. This puts the client at risk for impaired wound healing, so the nurse should request a dietary consult.
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