A nurse is educating a patient with influenza about the importance of adhering to the prescribed antiviral therapy. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
"The antiviral drugs will help treat bacterial infections.”
"You should stop taking the antiviral medication once you feel better.”
"Antiviral drugs can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.”
"You need to take the antiviral medication only if you have a fever.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
The nurse's appropriate statement is, "Antiviral drugs can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms." This statement is accurate because antiviral drugs are effective in treating influenza by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thus reducing the duration and severity of the illness. It is important for the patient to understand the benefits of adhering to the prescribed antiviral therapy to achieve the best possible outcome.
Choice A rationale:
The statement, "The antiviral drugs will help treat bacterial infections," is incorrect because antiviral drugs are specific to viral infections and have no effect on bacterial infections.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "You should stop taking the antiviral medication once you feel better," is also incorrect. It is essential for the patient to complete the full course of antiviral medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider, even if they start feeling better, to ensure complete eradication of the virus.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "You need to take the antiviral medication only if you have a fever," is incorrect as well. Antiviral medications should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, regardless of fever presence, to effectively treat influenza.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The rapid antigen test for influenza generally has high specificity but low sensitivity. It means that the test is relatively good at correctly identifying people without influenza (true negatives) but may miss some true positive cases, leading to false-negative results.
Choice B rationale:
The rapid antigen test does not detect influenza viruses in blood samples; it is designed to detect the virus in respiratory secretions, such as nasal swabs. The results are available within minutes, not hours.
Choice C rationale:
The rapid antigen test provides quick results, usually within 15-30 minutes, and is not a prolonged waiting period like 3 to 10 days.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should inform the client that the rapid antigen test is not suitable for confirming the diagnosis of influenza. While it can quickly identify some cases of influenza, it is not as reliable as other diagnostic methods like molecular tests (PCR) for confirming influenza. False-negative results are more likely with rapid antigen tests, and negative results may need to be confirmed with more sensitive tests if symptoms persist.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Influenza can indeed lead to viral pneumonia. Influenza is caused by a respiratory virus that primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Severe cases of influenza can progress to viral pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.
Choice B rationale:
Myositis is a potential complication of influenza. Myositis refers to inflammation of the muscles, which can occur as a complication of viral infections, including influenza. It can lead to muscle pain, weakness, and swelling.
Choice C rationale:
This statement requires further clarification. Reye syndrome is not a complication of influenza in adults; it primarily affects children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection like influenza or chickenpox. Reye syndrome involves brain and liver inflammation and is associated with the use of aspirin during viral infections.
Choice D rationale:
People with weakened immune systems are indeed at risk of severe influenza complications. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions, are more susceptible to severe influenza symptoms and complications.
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