HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review HESI 799 RN Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

The nurse administers an antibiotic for a respiratory tract infection. To evaluate the medication's effectiveness, which laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

  • A. Platelet count and red blood cell count.
  • B. White blood cell count and sputum culture.
  • C. Hemoglobin A1c and glucose tolerance test.
  • D. Arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: White blood cell count and sputum culture. Monitoring white blood cell count and sputum cultures is essential to assess the effectiveness of the antibiotic in treating the respiratory tract infection. Changes in white blood cell count can indicate the body's response to infection, while sputum cultures help determine if the antibiotic is targeting the specific pathogens causing the infection. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin A1c, glucose tolerance test, arterial blood gases, and serum electrolytes are not directly related to evaluating the effectiveness of an antibiotic in treating a respiratory tract infection.