The healthcare provider writes several prescriptions for a client diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) that include a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer the first dose of antibiotics.
- B. Obtain a chest X-ray.
- C. Administer oxygen therapy.
- D. Collect blood specimens for culture prior to starting antibiotic therapy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Collecting blood specimens for culture prior to starting antibiotic therapy is the priority intervention in a client diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia. This step is crucial to identify the causative organism responsible for the infection and ensure that the antibiotics prescribed are appropriate for effective treatment. Administering antibiotics before collecting cultures may interfere with the accuracy of culture results, potentially leading to inappropriate treatment. While administering the first dose of antibiotics is important, obtaining a chest X-ray and administering oxygen therapy are secondary interventions compared to identifying the causative organism through blood cultures.
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A client is receiving intravenous potassium chloride for hypokalemia. Which action should the nurse take to prevent complications during the infusion?
- A. Administer the infusion rapidly
- B. Monitor the infusion site for signs of infiltration
- C. Use a syringe pump for the infusion
- D. Flush the IV line with normal saline before starting the infusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action to prevent complications during the infusion of potassium chloride is to monitor the infusion site for signs of infiltration. Rapid administration can lead to adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmias. Using a syringe pump is not typically necessary for this infusion. Flushing the IV line with normal saline is a good practice but not directly related to preventing complications specifically during the infusion of potassium chloride.
What could suddenly occur in a child with acute epiglottitis?
- A. Increased carbon dioxide levels
- B. Airway obstruction
- C. Inability to swallow
- D. Bronchial collapse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In acute epiglottitis, the infected epiglottis becomes inflamed and can lead to sudden airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency. This can cause difficulty breathing and necessitates immediate intervention to secure the airway. Increased carbon dioxide levels may occur due to inadequate ventilation resulting from airway obstruction, but the primary concern is the obstruction itself, not the carbon dioxide levels. Inability to swallow may be present due to pain and swelling in the throat but is not the immediate life-threatening complication associated with acute epiglottitis. Bronchial collapse is not a typical consequence of acute epiglottitis.
An older adult with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was recently admitted to the hospital with heart failure (HF). Which actions should the nurse take in providing care? (Select all that apply)
- A. Monitor electrolyte levels.
- B. Maintain pulse oximetry.
- C. Provide assistance with mobility.
- D. All of the Above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a patient with COPD and HF, monitoring electrolyte levels is essential due to potential imbalances caused by medications or fluid shifts. Maintaining pulse oximetry is crucial to assess oxygenation status in COPD and HF. Providing assistance with mobility helps prevent deconditioning and complications. Therefore, all the actions mentioned are necessary for comprehensive care in this scenario, making option D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are all important aspects of managing COPD and HF, ensuring holistic and effective care.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?
- A. Stop taking insulin until feeling better
- B. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- C. Consume high-carbohydrate foods only
- D. Check blood glucose levels frequently
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to check blood glucose levels frequently. During illness, such as nausea and vomiting, managing blood glucose levels is crucial in clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently helps in adjusting insulin doses appropriately, preventing complications like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because stopping insulin abruptly can lead to serious complications. Choice B is important but not the most critical in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as high-carbohydrate foods may further affect blood glucose levels negatively.
The nurse is caring for a child who has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). What is the most important intervention for the nurse?
- A. Help the child enroll in a special education class.
- B. Allay any feelings of guilt the parents may have.
- C. Explain to the parents that medications are lifelong.
- D. Teach the parents how to set limits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important intervention for the nurse in caring for a child with ADHD is to allay any feelings of guilt the parents may have. Parents of children with ADHD often experience guilt or self-blame, thinking they are responsible for their child's condition. By addressing and alleviating these feelings, the nurse can support the parents in a crucial way. Choice A is not the most important intervention because enrolling the child in a special education class might be a consideration but does not address the emotional needs of the parents. Choice C is incorrect because stating that medications are lifelong may cause unnecessary distress to the parents. Choice D is also not the most important intervention as setting limits is important but not as critical as addressing parental guilt and emotions.