Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Infectious Respiratory Problems Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Infectious Respiratory Problems related questions and content

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.