A nurse is caring for an adolescent in an emergency department who was brought to the emergency department by their parent. The adolescent reports intermittent low-grade fever and anorexia. Manifestations presented a few days after having dental work performed. Now they are worse. The adolescent noticed shortness of breath with exertion today. The nurse reports the 2400 assessment findings to the provider. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe? For each potential provider's prescription, click to specify if the potential prescription is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.
Administer antibiotic therapy
Obtain an echocardiogram
Obtain blood cultures x3
Restrict dental hygiene
Perform strenuous exercise regimen twice a day
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotic therapy is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can treat the possible bacterial infection that is causing the fever, anorexia, and shortness of breath. The client may have developed infective endocarditis, a serious condition that affects the heart valves and can lead to heart failure or stroke. Antibiotic therapy can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of mortality.
Choice B reason: Obtaining an echocardiogram is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help diagnose the presence and severity of infective endocarditis. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures. It can show if there is any damage to the heart valves, vegetation (clumps of bacteria and cells) on the valves, or signs of heart failure.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood cultures x3 is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help identify the causative organism of the infection and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures are samples of blood that are taken from different sites and times and tested for the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms. They can confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and determine the sensitivity and resistance of the bacteria to different antibiotics.
Choice D reason: Restricting dental hygiene is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can worsen the oral health and increase the risk of infection. Dental hygiene is important for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can harbor bacteria and cause dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis. These conditions can increase the risk of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) and infective endocarditis. The nurse should teach the client to maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing.
Choice E reason: Performing a strenuous exercise regimen twice a day is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can increase the cardiac workload and exacerbate the symptoms of infective endocarditis. Strenuous exercise can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, and fatigue, which can worsen the condition of the heart and the valves. The nurse should advise the client to avoid strenuous exercise and limit physical activity to a level that does not cause symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Half-strength orange juice is not a good choice for the infant, as it is acidic and may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. It also does not provide adequate calories or nutrition for the infant.
Choice B reason: Half-strength infant formula is a suitable choice for the infant, as it is bland and easy to digest. It also provides some calories and nutrition for the infant, who may have lost fluids and electrolytes due to the intussusception.
Choice C reason: Full-strength apple juice is not a good choice for the infant, as it is high in sugar and may cause diarrhea. It also does not provide adequate calories or nutrition for the infant.
Choice D reason: Full-strength chicken broth is not a good choice for the infant, as it is high in sodium and may cause dehydration. It also does not provide adequate calories or nutrition for the infant..
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: b.
Choice A: Heart rate 130/min
A heart rate of 130 beats per minute (bpm) is considered high for a 3-year-old child. Normal heart rates for children aged 1-3 years typically range from 80 to 120 bpm. While dehydration can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate), a heart rate of 130 bpm does not necessarily indicate effective rehydration.
Choice B: Urine specific gravity 1.015
Urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030) for a hydrated child. Dehydration increases urine concentration (>1.020), but a normalized value like 1.015 shows that ORT has restored fluid balance. UpToDate and NIH studies (e.g., Binder et al., 2014) highlight urine specific gravity as a precise measure of hydration status, making it the strongest indicator of ORT effectiveness.
Choice C: Respiratory rate 24/min
The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old child is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is within this normal range. While a normal respiratory rate can indicate improved hydration status, it is not the most specific indicator of effective rehydration therapy.
Choice D: Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds suggests adequate perfusion, as normal is under 2 seconds. Dehydration may prolong this time, but “less than 3 seconds” could include slightly delayed values (e.g., 2.5 seconds). UpToDate and NIH studies (e.g., Doan et al., 2010) note it as useful but less specific than urine specific gravity for confirming ORT effectiveness.
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