A 75-year-old client has a baseline oral temperature of 96.8° F (36° C). Two hours later the client’s oral temperature is 100.8° F (38.2° C).
Which action should a nurse take next?
Notify the health care provider to report and anticipate new orders.
Cover the client with an additional blanket & alert the UAP to recheck in two hours.
Chart the temperature on the vital signs sheet and report to the new shift coming on.
Assess the client’s temperature rectally and compare the results.
The Correct Answer is A
Notify the health care provider to report and anticipate new orders.
This is because an oral temperature of 100.8° F (38.2° C) indicates a fever, which could be a sign of infection or inflammation in an elderly client.
A fever of this magnitude could also cause dehydration, confusion, or seizures in older adults.
Therefore, the nurse should notify the health care provider as soon as possible to determine the cause and treatment of the fever.
Choice B is wrong because covering the client with an additional blanket could increase the body temperature and worsen the fever.
The UAP should not recheck the temperature in two hours, but rather monitor it more frequently and report any changes to the nurse.
Choice C is wrong because charting the temperature on the vital signs sheet and reporting to the new shift coming on is not enough to address the urgency of the situation.
The nurse has a responsibility to act on abnormal findings and communicate them to the health care provider.
Choice D is wrong because assessing the client’s temperature rectally and comparing the results is not necessary and could cause discomfort or injury to the client.
Rectal temperatures are usually higher than oral temperatures by about 0.5° F (0.3° C), so this would not change the interpretation of the fever.
The normal range for oral temperature in adults is 97.6° F to 99.6° F (36.4° C to 37.6° C).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
“I apologize for not hearing you say that. Is there a better day for you?”.
This response shows empathy and respect for the client’s feelings and preferences.
It also invites the client to collaborate on finding a solution that works for both parties. Choice A is wrong because it is rude and defensive.
It does not acknowledge the client’s frustration or offer any alternatives. Choice C is wrong because it is dismissive and paternalistic.
It does not respect the client’s autonomy or consider the client’s reasons for not being able to come back on Friday.
Choice D is wrong because it is persuasive and manipulative.
It does not address the client’s concerns or explore other options.
The nurse-client relationship is based on trust, respect, and collaboration.
The nurse should use therapeutic communication skills to maintain a positive rapport with the client and promote their health and well-being.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
temperature 101.8° F(38.8° C), BP 100/60 mm Hg, pulse 98/min, RR 28/min. This set of vital signs indicates that the client may have an infection or sepsis, which are potential complications of an open cholecystectomy. The client has a fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension, which are signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
Choice A is wrong because it shows mild hypothermia, hypotension, and tachycardia, which could be due to dehydration or blood loss, but not necessarily infection.
Choice B is wrong because it shows a slight fever, normal blood pressure, and bradycardia, which could be due to pain or medication, but not infection.
Choice C is wrong because it shows a low-grade fever, normal blood pressure and pulse, and mild tachypnea, which could be due to inflammation or dehydration, but not infection.
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