A client is in the family practice clinic reporting a severe cough that has lasted for 5 weeks. The client is so exhausted after coughing that work has become impossible. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Arrange for immediate hospitalization.
- B. Facilitate polymerase chain reaction testing.
- C. Have the client produce a sputum sample.
- D. Obtain two sets of blood cultures.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Polymerase chain reaction testing is used to diagnose pertussis, which this client is showing manifestations of. This is the most appropriate action to confirm the diagnosis.
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A client seen in the emergency department reports fever, fatigue, and dry cough but no other upper respiratory symptoms. A chest x-ray reveals mediastinal widening. What action by the nurse is best?
- A. Collect a sputum sample for culture by deep suctioning.
- B. Instruct the client that antibiotics will be needed for 60 days.
- C. Place the client on Airborne Precautions immediately.
- D. Tell the client that directly observed therapy is needed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This client has manifestations of early inhalation anthrax. For treatment, after IV antibiotics are finished, oral antibiotics are continued for at least 60 days, making this the best action.
A client has the diagnosis of valley fever accompanied by myalgias and arthralgias. What treatment should the nurse educate the client on?
- A. Intravenous amphotericin B.
- B. Long-term anti-inflammatories.
- C. No specific treatment.
- D. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection. The presence of joint and muscle pain indicates a moderate infection that needs treatment with antifungal medications like oral fluconazole.
The emergency department (ED) manager is reviewing client charts to determine how well the staff performs when treating clients with community-acquired pneumonia. What outcome demonstrates that goals for this client type have been met?
- A. Antibiotics started before admission.
- B. Blood cultures obtained within 20 minutes.
- C. Chest x-ray was obtained within 30 minutes.
- D. Pulse oximetry obtained on all clients.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Goals for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia include initiating antibiotics prior to inpatient admission or within 6 hours of presentation to the ED. This is a key indicator of effective treatment.
A hospital nurse is participating in a drill during which many clients with inhalation anthrax are being admitted. What drugs should the nurse anticipate administering? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
- B. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- C. Doxycycline
- D. Ethambutol (Myambutol)
- E. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra)
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline are all possible treatments for inhalation anthrax. Ethambutol is used for tuberculosis, and SMX-TMP is commonly used for urinary tract infections.
A client is in the family medicine clinic reporting a dry, sore throat. The provider asks the nurse to assess for odynophagia. What assessment technique is most appropriate?
- A. Ask the client what foods cause trouble swallowing.
- B. Observe the client's throat for redness.
- C. Perform a throat culture immediately.
- D. Check the client's temperature.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Odynophagia refers to painful swallowing. Asking the client what foods cause trouble swallowing is the most direct way to assess for this condition.
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