A 46-year-old female patient returns to the clinic with continued dysuria after being treated with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for 3 days. Which action will the nurse plan to take?
Remind the patient about the need to drink 1000 mL of fluids daily.
Obtain a midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing.
Suggest that the patient use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve symptoms.
Tell the patient to take trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for 3 days.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because the persistent dysuria suggests that the initial treatment was not effective, and there may be a possibility of a resistant organism. Obtaining a midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing will help identify the specific microorganism causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic to use. The nurse should also instruct the patient to continue to drink plenty of fluids, as this will help flush out the bacteria and relieve symptoms. The nurse may suggest the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve discomfort, but this should not be the only action taken, as treating the underlying infection is crucial. The nurse should not tell the patient to take trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for an additional three days, as the initial treatment was not effective, and a different course of treatment may be required based on the results of the urine culture and sensitivity testing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a measure of the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. An HbA1c level of less than 7% is associated with a reduced risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with diabetes. This is a critical goal because uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease.
While options a, c, and d are also important in the management of diabetes, they are not as critical as achieving glycemic control. Choosing a diet that distributes calories throughout the day can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia. Following a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss can also help improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications. Understanding the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet is important for overall diabetes education, but it is not the most important goal in the plan of care for this patient at this time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
IV fluids are not typically used as a treatment for UTIs (urinary tract infections) as they do not directly address the infection itself. The main reason for administering IV fluids to a patient with a UTI would be to ensure adequate hydration, especially if the patient is experiencing fever or other symptoms of dehydration. Adequate hydration can also help improve the efficacy of antibiotics in treating the infection by ensuring that the urinary system is properly functioning and able to flush out bacteria.
Therefore, option b would be the closest answer as IV fluids may be given to facilitate the administration of IV antibiotics. However, it is important to note that antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs, and IV fluids are usually given as a supportive measure to ensure the patient's overall well-being. Flushing bacteria from the urinary tract or diluting bacteria are not considered primary rationales for administering IV fluids in a patient with a UTI. Relief of pain and discomfort may be managed with pain medication, but this is not the primary reason for IV fluid administration.
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