NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions Related

Review NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions related questions and content

A patient has just been admitted with probable bacterial pneumonia and sepsis. Which order should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Performing a chest x-ray via stretcher
  • B. Obtaining blood cultures from two sites
  • C. Administering Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) 400 mg IV
  • D. Inserting an Acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectal suppository
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with probable bacterial pneumonia and sepsis, the priority intervention is to obtain blood cultures from two sites before initiating antibiotic therapy. This is crucial to identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment. Administering antibiotics without obtaining cultures first can interfere with accurate results. Performing a chest x-ray and administering acetaminophen can be done after obtaining blood cultures as they are important but not as urgent as identifying the causative organism in sepsis.