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 with a history of chronic pain requests a nonopioid analgesic. The client is alert but has difficulty describing the exact nature and location of the pain to the nurse. What action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Administer the analgesic as requested.
- B. Request a pain assessment from another nurse.
- C. Ask the client to describe the pain more precisely.
- D. Delay administration until the pain is better described.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement next is to delay administration until the pain is better described. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the nature and location of the pain before administering any analgesic to ensure appropriate and effective pain management. Requesting a pain assessment from another nurse or asking the client to describe the pain more precisely would also be appropriate actions to obtain more information before administering the analgesic. Administering the analgesic as requested without a clear description of the pain may not address the client's needs effectively and could potentially lead to ineffective pain management.
An older male client tells the nurse that he is losing sleep because he has to get up several times at night to go to the bathroom, that he has trouble starting his urinary stream, and that he does not feel like his bladder is ever completely empty. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Collect a urine specimen for culture analysis
- B. Review the client's fluid intake prior to bedtime
- C. Palpate the bladder above the symphysis pubis
- D. Obtain a fingerstick glucose level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Palpating the bladder above the symphysis pubis is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. It helps assess for urinary retention, which is a common issue in older males presenting with symptoms like difficulty starting urinary stream and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Collecting a urine specimen for culture analysis (Choice A) may be necessary in other situations like suspected urinary tract infection. Reviewing the client's fluid intake (Choice B) is important but does not directly address the current issue of urinary retention. Obtaining a fingerstick glucose level (Choice D) is not relevant to the client's urinary symptoms.
How often should the casts be changed for a newborn with talipes who is wearing casts?
- A. Daily
- B. Weekly
- C. Biweekly
- D. Monthly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Weekly. Treatment of talipes involves manipulation and applying short leg casts. The casts need to be changed weekly to allow for further manipulation and to accommodate the rapid growth of the infant. Changing the casts daily (choice A) would be too frequent and may not provide enough time for the correction to take place. Changing the casts biweekly (choice C) or monthly (choice D) would not provide adequate support for the ongoing correction process required for talipes.
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is most often seen in school-age or adolescent children. The nurse should assess closely for what potential problem?
- A. Physical problems
- B. Relational problems
- C. Eating disorders
- D. Emotional problems
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Emotional problems.' Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children is frequently associated with emotional factors rather than physical issues, relational problems, or eating disorders. Children may manifest emotional distress through physical symptoms like abdominal pain, making it crucial for nurses to assess for emotional problems as a potential cause.
Which instruction should the nurse provide a client who was recently diagnosed with Raynaud's disease?
- A. Avoid cold temperatures completely.
- B. Take medications only during flare-ups.
- C. Wear gloves when removing packages from the freezer.
- D. Limit physical activity to avoid stress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with Raynaud's disease is to wear gloves when handling cold items to prevent vasospasm. Raynaud's disease is characterized by vasospasm in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow to extremities. Wearing gloves when removing packages from the freezer helps minimize exposure to cold temperatures and can prevent triggering vasospasms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Avoiding cold temperatures completely is impractical and may not always be possible. Taking medications only during flare-ups does not address prevention strategies, and limiting physical activity to avoid stress is not a primary intervention for Raynaud's disease.