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A nurse receives report from the laboratory on a client who was admitted for fever. The laboratory technician states that the client has a shift to the left on the white blood cell count. What action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Document findings and continue monitoring.
- B. Notify the provider and request antibiotics.
- C. Place the client in protective isolation.
- D. Tell the client this signifies inflammation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A shift to the left indicates an increase in immature neutrophils and is often seen in infections, especially those caused by bacteria. The nurse should notify the provider and request antibiotics to address the potential bacterial infection.
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A client has a wound infection to the right arm. What comfort measure can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
- B. Use a fan to help cool the client if feverish.
- C. Place cool, wet cloths on top of the wound.
- D. Take the client's temperature.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart will help with swelling and pain. Fans are not recommended as they can disperse microbes. Placing a cool, wet cloth on the wound may macerate the broken skin. Taking the client's temperature provides data but does not increase comfort.
The nursing instructor explaining infection tells students that which factor is the best and most important barrier to infection.
- A. Colonization by host bacteria
- B. Gastrointestinal secretions
- C. Inflammatory processes
- D. Skin and mucous membranes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The skin and mucous membranes are the most important barrier against infection because they provide a physical and chemical barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the body. The other options are also barriers, but are considered secondary to skin and mucous membranes.
A client with an infection has a fever. What actions by the nurse help increase the client's comfort?
- A. Administer antipyretics around the clock.
- B. Change the client's gown and linens when damp.
- C. Offer cool fluids to the client frequently.
- D. Place ice bags in the warm areas.
- E. Provide a fan to help cool the client.
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Comfort measures appropriate for this client include offering frequent cool drinks and changing linens or the gown when damp. Fever is a defense mechanism, and antipyretics should be administered only when the client is uncomfortable. Ice bags can cool the client quickly but are not comfort measures. Fans are discouraged because they can disperse microbes.
A client is being treated for a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
- A. Vancomycin
- B. Limit visitors to immediate family only
- C. Wash hands only after taking off gloves
- D. Wear a respirator when handling urine output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vancomycin is one of a few drugs approved to treat MRSA. The others include linezolid (Zyvox) and ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro). Visitation does not need to be limited to immediate family only. Hand hygiene is performed before and after wearing gloves. A respirator is not needed, but if splashing is anticipated, a face shield can be used.
A hospitalized client is placed on Contact Precautions. The client needs to have a computed tomography (CT) scan. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Ensure that the radiology department is aware of the isolation precautions.
- B. Plan to travel with the client to ensure appropriate precautions are used.
- C. No special precautions are needed when this client moves on unit.
- D. Notify the physician that the client cannot leave the room for the CT scan.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients in isolation should leave their rooms only when necessary, such as for a CT scan that cannot be done portably in the room. The nurse should ensure that the receiving department is aware of the isolation precautions needed to care for the client. The other options are not needed.