The nurse is caring for a client with a large open wound. While doing the dressing change, the nurse notes purulent drainage. What additional assessments are necessary for this client? Select all that apply

Question

1. White blood count
2. Fever
3. Wound odor
4. Wound bleeding
5. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
CHART 67–10

Answer 1

1. White blood count
2. Fever
3. Wound odor

Rationale: White blood count. Purulent drainage indicates infection, which requires the nurse to assess for other indicators of infection. Increased white blood count is another positive indicator of infection. Fever. Fever is an indicator of the presence of infection. Wound odor. Some types of organisms have a distinct odor, such as pseudomonas. The wound should be assessed for the presence of odor. Wound bleeding. Bleeding is not an indicator of infection. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). BUN is an indicator of renal function, not wound infection.