The nurse evaluates the results of laboratory tests completed on a client admitted for a non-healing wound. Which of the following values would be a priority for the nurse?

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Nutritional deficiencies (eg, zinc, protein, vitamin C) and dehydration can impair wound healing. Dehydration (loss of free water) can increase serum sodium levels. The normal value for serum sodium is 135-145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L). The value listed, 153 mEq/L (153 mmol/L), is high. Increased serum sodium level (hypernatremia) has an osmotic action that causes water to be pulled from the interstitial spaces into the vascular system. Remember that "water goes where salt is." This action decreases wound healing at a cellular level, reducing the nutrients cells need for repair. (Option A) Normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values are 6-20 mg/dL (2.1-7.1 mmol/L). Elevated BUN may indicate dehydration and could impair wound healing. (Option B) Malnutrition can impair wound healing. Serum albumin and prealbumin levels are obtained to assess nutritional status. The normal value for albumin is 3.5-5.0 g/dL (35-50 g/L). (Option C) The normal value for serum potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mmol/L). Educational objective: Nutritional deficiencies (eg, zinc, protein, vitamin C) and dehydration (hypernatremia, elevated BUN) can impair wound healing.

The Nurse Evaluates the Results of Laboratory Tests Completed on a Client