A client is admitted with the diagnosis of possible pneumonia, and laboratory studies are prescribed to rule out the etiology. Which specimen should the practical nurse (PN) collect prior to the beginning of antibiotic therapy?

Sputum.

Urine.

Throat smear.

Blood.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Sputum is the most appropriate specimen to collect prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy in a client with suspected pneumonia. Sputum cultures can help identify the specific bacteria or other pathogens causing the infection, allowing for targeted antibiotic therapy. Collecting the sputum sample before starting antibiotics ensures that the culture results are not influenced by the medication, leading to more accurate identification of the causative agent and more effective treatment.
Choice B reason: Urine is not the appropriate specimen to collect for diagnosing pneumonia. While urine cultures can be useful for diagnosing urinary tract infections or detecting certain pathogens through urine antigen tests, they are not relevant to identifying the etiology of a respiratory infection like pneumonia. The focus should be on obtaining samples directly from the respiratory system.
Choice C reason: A throat smear can be useful for diagnosing upper respiratory tract infections, such as strep throat, caused by Group A Streptococcus. However, it is not the most relevant test for diagnosing pneumonia, which affects the lower respiratory tract. A sputum sample is more appropriate for identifying the pathogens responsible for pneumonia.
Choice D reason: Blood cultures can be useful for detecting bacteremia or septicemia, especially in severe cases of pneumonia where the infection has spread to the bloodstream. However, they are not the primary method for identifying the specific cause of pneumonia. Blood cultures are typically used in conjunction with other tests, such as sputum cultures, to provide a comprehensive diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Red meats are typically high in sodium, especially if they are processed or cured. Encouraging the consumption of red meats would not be appropriate for a client with low sodium levels.
Choice B reason: Salted crackers are high in sodium and should be avoided for a client with low sodium levels. Consuming salted crackers would further decrease the sodium level, which is not desirable in this case.
Choice C reason: Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium and are a good choice for a client with low sodium levels. They provide essential vitamins and nutrients without adding excess sodium to the diet.
Choice D reason: Green vegetables are also low in sodium and are a healthy option for a client with low sodium levels. However, fresh fruits are often more palatable and easier to incorporate into the diet, making them a better choice for encouraging the client to eat.

A. Measure intake and output while straining all urine. B. Review foods that are high in oxalate. C. Monitor the client's serum calcium levels. D. Encourage the client to begin a weight loss program.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Measuring intake and output while straining all urine is the priority action. This helps to monitor kidney function, assess fluid balance, and detect the passage of kidney stones. Straining urine can also catch any stones or fragments, which can be analyzed to determine their composition and guide further treatment.
Choice B reason: Reviewing foods that are high in oxalate is important for dietary management of kidney stones, but it is not the immediate priority. Dietary education is more relevant once the client's acute symptoms are managed and stabilized.
Choice C reason: Monitoring the client's serum calcium levels is important in the management of certain types of kidney stones, particularly those formed from calcium. However, this action is not as immediate a priority as measuring intake and output and straining urine to assess for stone passage.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to begin a weight loss program is beneficial for overall health and can reduce the risk of future kidney stones. However, it is not the immediate priority when treating an acute episode of kidney stones.

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A client is admitted with the diagnosis of possible pneumonia, and laboratory studies are prescribed to rule out the etiology. Which specimen should the practical nurse (PN) collect prior to the beginning of antibiotic therapy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with Crohn's disease has a serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L (130 mmol/L). Which foods should the practical nurse (PN) encourage the client to eat? Reference Range: Sodium: 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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