A patient with an open abdominal wound has a complete blood cell ( CBC ) count and differential, which indicate an increase in white blood cells (WBCs) and a shift to the left. The nurse anticipates that the next action will be to

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The shift to the left indicates that the patient probably has a bacterial infection, and the nurse will plan to obtain wound cultures. Antibiotic therapy and/or dressing changes may be started, but cultures should be done first. The nurse will continue to monitor the wound, but additional actions are needed as well.

A Patient with an Open Abdominal Wound Has a Complete