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A nurse is caring for a client.

  • Medication Administration Record:

    • Budesonide 6 mg PO daily.

  • Laboratory Results:

    • Hematocrit (Hct): 47% (Normal range: 37% to 52%)
    • Hemoglobin (Hgb): 16 g/dL (Normal range: 12 to 18 g/dL)
    • Potassium: 3.6 mEq/L (Normal range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L)

  • History and Physical:

    • BMI: 16 (Reference Range:18.5 - 24.9)
    • History of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
    • Nonsmoker.
    • New diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

Click to highlight the findings that increase the client's susceptibility to infection.

To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

A.

Budesonide 6 mg PO daily

B.

BMI: 16

C.

History of type 2 diabetes mellitus

D.

New diagnosis of Crohn's disease

E.

Hematocrit (Hct): 47%

F.

Hemoglobin (Hgb): 16 g/dL

G.

Potassium: 3.6 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Findings that Could Increase Susceptibility to Infection:

  1. Budesonide 6 mg PO daily:

    • Explanation: Budesonide is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, often prescribed for conditions like Crohn's disease. While it helps manage inflammation, corticosteroids also suppress the immune system. This immunosuppressive effect can increase the client's susceptibility to infections.

  2. BMI of 16:

    • Explanation: A BMI of 16 is considered underweight. Malnutrition or being underweight can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections because their body lacks the necessary nutrients and energy to support immune function.

  3. History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

    • Explanation: Diabetes, particularly if not well-controlled, can impair the immune system and increase the risk of infections. High blood sugar levels can hinder the function of immune cells, making it easier for infections to develop and harder for the body to fight them.

  4. New Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease:

    • Explanation: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. This chronic inflammation can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies that impair the immune system. Additionally, the disease itself, especially when active, can increase the risk of infection.

Findings That Do Not Increase Susceptibility to Infection:

  1. Hematocrit (Hct) of 47%:

    • Explanation: The Hct level is within the normal range of 37% to 52%. It measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Since it's normal, it does not indicate an increased risk of infection.

  2. Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 16 g/dL:

    • Explanation: The Hgb level is also within the normal range of 12 to 18 g/dL. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This normal level does not suggest a higher risk of infection.

  3. Potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L:

    • Explanation: Potassium levels are within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. This electrolyte level is unrelated to infection risk in the context provided.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

In this scenario, the nurse is gathering evidence-based practice on catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). By collecting evidence-based information and research on this topic, the nurse is acting in the role of a researcher. Research in healthcare is essential to stay current with best practices, guidelines, and recommendations, and it helps inform clinical decision-making.

Choice B rationale:

A nurse manager is responsible for overseeing nursing staff, unit operations, and ensuring that the unit operates efficiently and safely. While a nurse manager may use evidence-based information to guide decisions, the primary role described in this scenario is that of a researcher, as the nurse is focused on gathering evidence-based practice on a specific topic.

Choice C rationale:

An educator's primary role is to teach and educate others, such as patients, families, or fellow healthcare professionals. While education often involves the use of evidence-based information, in this scenario, the nurse is primarily focused on gathering evidence rather than directly educating others.

Choice D rationale:

A case manager is responsible for coordinating and managing a patient's care, often involving multiple aspects of healthcare and social services. While case managers may use evidence-based information in their decision-making, the primary role described in this scenario is that of a researcher, as the nurse is focused on gathering evidence-based practice related to CAUTI, not managing a specific patient's case.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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