A 7-year-old girl is receiving IV antibiotics for osteomyelitis in the left femur.
After 72 hours of treatment, she continues to have fever, elevated WBC, and increased pain at the infection site. What is the nurse's priority action?
Notify the provider of the lack of therapeutic response.
Request an order for oral analgesics to reduce discomfort.
Encourage intake of calcium-rich foods to support bone healing.
Reassure the family that antibiotic therapy can take several days to show improvement.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Persistent fever, elevated white blood cell count (normal range: 4,000-11,000 cells/µL), and increased pain after 72 hours of antibiotic treatment for osteomyelitis indicate a lack of therapeutic response. This suggests the current antibiotic regimen may be ineffective, or the infection is not responding as expected. Prompt notification of the provider is crucial for re-evaluation of the treatment plan, potential antibiotic adjustment, or further diagnostic investigation to prevent complications like sepsis or chronic osteomyelitis.
Choice B rationale
While pain management is important, requesting only oral analgesics addresses a symptom without addressing the underlying lack of improvement in the infection. Untreated or inadequately treated osteomyelitis can lead to significant morbidity. Prioritizing symptomatic relief over addressing the root cause can delay appropriate medical intervention and worsen the patient's condition.
Choice C rationale
While calcium (normal range: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL) is vital for bone health, encouraging calcium-rich foods is a long-term supportive measure for bone healing. It does not address the immediate and concerning signs of ongoing, uncontrolled infection. Addressing the active infection takes precedence over nutritional support for healing at this stage.
Choice D rationale
While antibiotic therapy does take time to show full effect, 72 hours with worsening symptoms, including elevated WBC, suggests the current therapy is failing. Reassuring the family without addressing these objective signs of non-improvement can delay necessary medical intervention and potentially harm the patient by allowing the infection to progress further.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restraining a child with autism can exacerbate distress and lead to further agitation due to sensory overload and a feeling of loss of control. Physical restraint can activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and cortisol levels, which can traumatize the child and hinder therapeutic rapport, contravening principles of trauma-informed care.
Choice B rationale
Hand flapping and rocking are common self-stimulatory behaviors, or "stimming," in children with autism, serving to regulate sensory input and manage anxiety. Allowing these behaviors in a low-stimulus environment supports emotional regulation by reducing external stressors and promoting a sense of security, which is crucial for individuals with sensory processing differences.
Choice C rationale
Immediately redirecting or attempting to stop self-stimulatory behaviors can be counterproductive for a child with autism. These behaviors often serve a vital self-regulatory function; interrupting them without providing an alternative coping mechanism can increase anxiety, frustration, and escalate behavioral challenges, disrupting their internal equilibrium.
Choice D rationale
Engaging in verbal interaction to distract a child with autism during self-soothing can disrupt their regulatory process. Children with ASD often have difficulties with social communication and may find unexpected verbal input overwhelming, potentially increasing sensory overload and agitation, rather than providing effective distraction or comfort.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Support during labor has been shown to significantly decrease the perception of pain. Continuous presence of a supportive individual, such as a doula or partner, provides comfort, encouragement, and various coping mechanisms, which can physiologically reduce stress hormone release and enhance the body's natural pain-modulating systems, leading to a less painful experience.
Choice B rationale
A supportive presence during labor contributes to an improved overall experience for the client. The emotional, physical, and informational support provided can alleviate anxiety, empower the client, and foster a sense of control and confidence, leading to a more positive and satisfying childbirth experience, often with lasting beneficial psychological impacts.
Choice C rationale
Support during labor can contribute to better fetal outcomes by reducing maternal stress and anxiety. Lower maternal stress levels can lead to improved uterine blood flow and oxygenation to the fetus. Additionally, continuous support can lead to fewer interventions, such as operative deliveries, which are associated with potential risks to the fetus.
Choice D rationale
Research indicates that continuous support during labor is associated with improved client outcomes. This includes a reduced likelihood of medical interventions, such as epidural anesthesia, synthetic oxytocin for augmentation, and cesarean sections. Enhanced emotional well-being and reduced maternal stress hormones also contribute to a more positive physiological response during labor.
Choice E rationale
Support during labor is known to decrease, not increase, anxiety. The presence of a supportive individual provides reassurance, reduces fear of the unknown, and offers comfort. This contributes to a calm environment, which can physiologically mitigate the stress response, thereby lowering anxiety levels and promoting a more relaxed labor progression for the client.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.