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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering a PRN prescription for an antiemetic might help with the nausea and vomiting, but it is not the first action to take. The primary concern should be addressing a potential transfusion reaction.
Choice B reason: Flushing the IV tubing with sodium chloride is an important step to clear the line of any remaining blood product, but this should be done after stopping the infusion to prevent further administration of the blood.
Choice C reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial, but the first and most immediate action should be to stop the blood infusion to prevent further reaction.
Choice D reason: Turning off the blood infusion is the first and most critical action to take. Shaking, nausea, and vomiting can be signs of a transfusion reaction, and halting the infusion immediately helps prevent further complications. Following this, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider and take other appropriate measures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the food and utensils in the client's left visual field and leaving him alone does not address the underlying issue of the visual field deficit. While it may temporarily solve the problem of the client eating only the food on the left side, it does not encourage the client to adapt to or compensate for the right homonymous hemianopsia. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the client develop strategies to manage their condition independently, and this approach does not foster such skills.
Choice B reason: Feeding the client foods that are on the right side of his visual field is not the most effective approach, as it does not promote the client's independence or help them adapt to their visual field deficit. While it ensures the client consumes the food on the right side, it does not teach the client to compensate for their hemianopsia, which is an essential aspect of their rehabilitation.
Choice C reason: Reminding the client to look all over the tray to view and eat all the foods provided is the best approach. This action helps the client become more aware of their visual field deficit and encourages them to develop the habit of scanning their environment. Teaching the client to consistently look around their entire visual field promotes independence and helps them adapt to daily activities despite their condition. This strategy supports the goal of rehabilitation, which is to enhance the client's ability to manage their visual impairment independently.
Choice D reason: Prompting the client to rotate his plate to see foods on the right side of the tray is a practical solution, but it does not address the broader need for the client to learn to scan their environment. While rotating the plate may temporarily help the client access the food on the right side, it does not encourage the development of compensatory strategies for the visual field deficit. Encouraging the client to look all over the tray is a more effective approach for long-term adaptation and independence.
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