A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Assessment findings include T 100.4 deg F, RR 30, BP 130/76, HR 100, and SpO2 91% on room air. Which of the following is the PRIORITY intervention?

Perform a sputum culture

Instruct the patient to obtain yearly influenza vaccination

Administer oxygen therapy

Administer antibiotics

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   While obtaining a sputum culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy, it is not an immediate priority. Delaying this test briefly for critical interventions (like oxygen administration) is acceptable, as stabilizing the patient's oxygen levels is more urgent.
B.   Educating the patient about vaccination is important for long-term health and prevention of future respiratory infections. However, it does not address the current situation and does not provide immediate benefit for the acute episode of pneumonia.
C.   The patient has a SpO2 of 91%, which indicates hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood). In pneumonia, adequate oxygenation is crucial to prevent further respiratory distress and potential complications. Administering oxygen therapy will help improve the oxygen saturation and support the patient’s respiratory function, making this the highest priority intervention.
D.   While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial pneumonia, they may take time to exert their effects. In this acute scenario, the immediate need is to ensure the patient is adequately oxygenated. After oxygen is administered, antibiotics can be given promptly.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While it’s important to provide reassurance, this option does not directly address the acute symptoms of respiratory distress and hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but immediate action to treat the underlying issue is more critical.
B. This is the priority intervention in the case of suspected anaphylaxis. Epinephrine acts quickly to counteract severe allergic reactions, relieving bronchospasm, increasing heart rate, and raising blood pressure. Given the patient's wheezing and hypotension, administering epinephrine is crucial.
C. Administering oxygen can be beneficial, especially if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress. However, it does not address the potential anaphylactic reaction or the drop in blood pressure directly. It should be part of the management but not the priority.
D. Elevating the head of the bed can help improve breathing, especially if the patient is in respiratory distress. However, this action alone does not address the potential life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis.

A. They will be treated with medications for 2 years B. They will always test negative on a Mantoux test C. They can spread it to others until they have 3 negative sputum tests D. They can't spread it to others

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While patients with latent TB may be treated to prevent progression to active TB, the treatment duration is generally shorter—typically around 3 to 9 months, depending on the medication regimen (e.g., isoniazid for 9 months or rifampin for 4 months).
B. Individuals with latent TB will usually test positive on a Mantoux test (also known as a tuberculin skin test), indicating they have been exposed to the TB bacteria. However, those with latent TB do not have active disease and may not have symptoms.
C. Individuals with latent TB do not spread the bacteria to others because the infection is contained and does not cause active disease. Only those with active TB can transmit the bacteria, regardless of sputum test results.
D. Patients with latent TB are not contagious and cannot spread the bacteria to others. The bacteria remain inactive in the body, and only a small percentage of these individuals may develop active TB in the future.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Assessment findings include T 100.4 deg F, RR 30, BP 130/76, HR 100, and SpO2 91% on room air. Which of the following is the PRIORITY intervention?

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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