A nurse is planning care for a client who has a fever due to an infection. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Encourage fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day.
Maintain the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F).
Immerse the client in cold water.
Assist the client to ambulate.
The Correct Answer is A
Choosing the best intervention for a client with fever due to infection:
The most appropriate intervention for a client with fever due to infection depends on various factors, including the severity of the fever, the client's age and overall health, and their individual preferences. Let's analyze each option and explain its rationale:
a. Encourage fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day.
Rationale:
- Pros: Fever often leads to increased sweating and fluid loss through respiration. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can worsen discomfort and potentially lead to complications like organ dysfunction. Encouraging a fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day is generally recommended for adults with fever, although individual needs may vary based on factors like body size and activity level.
- Cons: While hydration is essential, forcing fluids on a client who experiences nausea or vomiting can be counterproductive. Additionally, some clients with certain medical conditions, like heart failure, may require fluid restriction, making this option inappropriate.
b. Maintain the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F).
Rationale:
- Cons: Excessively cool environments can trigger shivering, which actually increases body heat production and can worsen the fever. Additionally, maintaining such a low room temperature can be uncomfortable for the client and may increase their risk of chills.
c. Immerse the client in cold water.
Rationale:
- Cons: Immersing a client in cold water, like a bath, can be a dangerous and counterproductive intervention. The sudden chill can trigger violent shivering, significantly increasing body heat production and potentially causing shock. Moreover, rapid cooling can be uncomfortable and even risky for people with certain health conditions like heart disease.
d. Assist the client to ambulate.
Rationale:
- Cons: While ambulation is generally encouraged for healthy clients, it may not be suitable for everyone with a fever. Depending on the severity of the fever and the client's overall condition, ambulation could be tiring and even unsafe. In some cases, rest may be more appropriate to promote comfort and recovery.
Therefore, the most appropriate intervention for a client with fever due to infection is:
a. Encourage fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day.
Remember:
- Individualize care based on the client's specific needs and preferences.
- Monitor the client's response to interventions and adjust as needed.
- Consult with the healthcare provider for guidance on managing the fever and addressing any underlying infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. List of community resources.
Choice A rationale:
Emergency contact information is typically found in the patient’s admission records or demographic section, not in the discharge summary.
Choice B rationale:
Intake and output summary is part of the daily nursing notes or fluid balance chart, not usually included in the discharge summary.
Choice C rationale:
The discharge summary often includes a list of community resources to support the patient after discharge, such as contact information for follow-up care, support groups, or home health services.
Choice D rationale:
Basic demographic data is recorded in the patient’s initial admission records and is not typically repeated in the discharge summary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Request additional information about the caller's relationship to the client. Rationale: While understanding the caller's relationship to the client is important for confirming the legitimacy of the request, it doesn't address the core concern of maintaining client confidentiality. Sharing information with individuals solely based on their relationship can still lead to breaches in privacy.
Choice B rationale:
Provide a general update about the client's condition over the telephone. Rationale: Providing a general update over the telephone is not a secure method of maintaining client confidentiality. General updates can inadvertently disclose sensitive information and should only be communicated through secure and private channels.
Choice C rationale:
Refer the family member to the client's provider for the update. Rationale: This choice is the correct answer as it ensures that the family member receives accurate and appropriate information from the authorized source, which is the client's healthcare provider. This approach maintains the confidentiality of the client's medical information and adheres to privacy regulations.
Choice D rationale:
Encourage the family member to contact the client directly for information. Rationale: Encouraging direct contact between the family member and the client for information sharing can potentially compromise the client's privacy. The client might not want their condition disclosed to certain individuals, and it's the responsibility of the healthcare provider to ensure that sensitive information is shared appropriately and securely.
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