A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor for delayed wound healing?

Choice A reason: Low albumin (below 3.5 g/dL) indicates malnutrition, impairing wound healing by reducing protein available for tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Hypoalbuminemia also weakens immune response, increasing infection risk, making this a critical finding to monitor in postoperative clients for delayed healing. Choice B reason: A BMI of 21 is within the normal range (18.5–24.9) and does not indicate malnutrition or obesity, both of which impair wound healing. Normal BMI supports adequate nutritional status for tissue repair, making this an unlikely contributor to delayed healing. Choice C reason: Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL is within normal limits (12–16 g/dL for females, 13–18 g/dL for males), ensuring adequate oxygen delivery for wound healing. Anemia (lower hemoglobin) would impair healing, but this value does not warrant concern for delayed recovery. Choice D reason: A Braden score of 19 indicates low risk for pressure ulcers, not delayed surgical wound healing. The score assesses mobility and skin integrity, not systemic factors like nutrition or infection directly affecting postoperative wound repair, making it irrelevant here.