Which collaborative care goal should the nurse include for a client exhibiting severe inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)?

In the context of a client exhibiting severe inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), maintaining normal body temperature is crucial. Elevated body temperature can be a sign of ongoing infection or inflammation, which are key concerns in SIRS. Keeping the body temperature within normal limits helps in stabilizing the client's condition and reduces the risk of further complications such as organ dysfunction.

Additionally, managing temperature can aid in preventing additional metabolic stress on the body. Hyperthermia may increase metabolic demands and exacerbate the inflammatory response, while hypothermia could impair immune function and increase the risk of morbidity. Therefore, one of the central goals of collaborative care in this scenario is to ensure that the body temperature remains within an optimal range, thereby supporting the body's ability to manage the inflammatory process effectively.

Other goals, such as increasing WBC count or ensuring a negative urine culture, while important in specific contexts, are not primary objectives for immediate management in SIRS. Instead, they are more about condition monitoring or resolving infections, rather than direct, immediate care interventions. Promoting fluid restriction does not align with the needs of a patient experiencing SIRS, as these individuals often require careful fluid management to avoid dehydration or support adequate organ perfusion.