Which lab result is most indicative of infection in a client with a fever?
- A. Increased white blood cell count
- B. Elevated neutrophils and band cells
- C. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- D. Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased white blood cell count. When a client has an infection, the body's immune response triggers an increase in white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Neutrophils and band cells (choice B) may also increase during infection, but a general increase in white blood cells is a more reliable indicator. ESR (choice C) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and may be elevated in various conditions, not just infection. LDH (choice D) is an enzyme found in many tissues and can be elevated in various conditions, not specifically infection. Therefore, an increased white blood cell count is the most indicative of infection in a client with a fever.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is the most important intervention for a client with acute myocardial infarction (MI)?
- A. Administer aspirin
- B. Administer oxygen
- C. Administer morphine
- D. Administer nitroglycerin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer aspirin. Aspirin is crucial for a client with acute MI as it helps prevent further blood clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing chances of additional cardiac events. Oxygen (B) is not routinely recommended unless hypoxemia is present. Morphine (C) can mask symptoms and delay treatment. Nitroglycerin (D) is used to relieve chest pain but may not be the most important intervention in acute MI. Administering aspirin promptly is vital to improve outcomes and reduce mortality in acute MI cases.
A nurse is assessing a patient's breath sounds and notes that the patient has a wheeze. This is most likely indicative of:
- A. Pneumonia.
- B. Asthma.
- C. Pulmonary embolism.
- D. Pleural effusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Asthma. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound heard during expiration caused by narrowed airways in conditions like asthma. Pneumonia (A) typically presents with crackles, not wheezes. Pulmonary embolism (C) may cause sudden chest pain and shortness of breath but not wheezing. Pleural effusion (D) results in decreased breath sounds, not wheezes.
A 32-year-old patient shares with the nurse that she has been unwell for 2 weeks. She has had a variety of symptoms and has been treating them with herbs that her mother has provideThe nurse should:
- A. tell the patient that it is the herbs that are making her feel unwell.
- B. ask the patient more about the effects of the herbs.
- C. take a sample of the herbs to send to the laboratory for analysis.
- D. ask the patient's mother to explain the use of the herbs.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse needs more information to assess the situation effectively. By asking the patient more about the effects of the herbs, the nurse can gather crucial details about the patient's condition and the potential impact of the herbs on her health. This will help the nurse make an informed decision on the appropriate course of action.
Choice A is incorrect because jumping to conclusions without gathering more information can be detrimental to the patient's care. Choice C is incorrect as sending the herbs for analysis may not provide immediate insights into the patient's condition. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on directly obtaining information from the patient rather than involving a third party.
A nurse is teaching a patient with a history of stroke about preventing future strokes. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
- A. I will take my blood pressure medication regularly.
- B. I will limit my alcohol consumption.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is normal.
- D. I will maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping medication once blood pressure is normal can lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke. A patient with a history of stroke needs to continue taking medications as prescribed to maintain optimal blood pressure control. Statements A, B, and D are all indicative of good stroke prevention strategies, such as managing blood pressure, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What should the nurse do first when caring for a client with a suspected spinal cord injury?
- A. Immobilize the spine
- B. Place the client in a supine position
- C. Administer analgesics
- D. Assess the airway
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobilize the spine. This is the first priority because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord. By immobilizing the spine, the nurse ensures that any movement doesn't worsen the existing injury. Placing the client in a supine position (B) can be done after immobilization. Administering analgesics (C) should not be done before assessing the extent of the injury. Assessing the airway (D) is important but should come after immobilizing the spine to prevent any unnecessary movement.