A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

Remove blankets and offer fluids

Increase the patient's activity

Place ice bags on the patient's skin

Decrease the patient's intake

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: When a patient has an elevated temperature, the body is attempting to cool down through vasodilation, which is why the skin may appear flushed and feel warm. Removing excess blankets can help facilitate the body's natural cooling process. Offering fluids is also crucial as fever can lead to dehydration, especially if there is sweating. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature and replaces fluids lost through sweating. The normal body temperature range is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). When the body temperature rises above this range, interventions such as removing blankets and providing fluids can be effective in reducing fever.

Choice B reason: Increasing the patient's activity is not advisable when they have an elevated temperature and are experiencing severe fatigue. Activity generates heat and can raise body temperature further, exacerbating the fever. Rest is recommended to conserve energy and reduce metabolic demand, which can help lower the body temperature.

Choice C reason: The use of ice bags can be a rapid cooling measure but must be used with caution. Direct application of ice to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which can actually increase the body's core temperature. It is generally reserved for hyperthermia or heatstroke when immediate cooling is necessary. For a simple fever, less aggressive cooling measures are usually preferred.

Choice D reason: Decreasing the patient's intake is not appropriate unless there is a specific contraindication, such as vomiting or risk of aspiration. Adequate nutrition supports the immune system and provides the energy needed for the body to combat the underlying cause of the fever.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Thoroughly cleansing the affected area helps remove potential pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises washing needlestick injuries with soap and water.

Choice B reason: Squeezing the puncture site is not recommended because it can cause further injury to the tissue and does not effectively reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Choice C reason: Flushing the puncture site with water is a good practice, but it should be done immediately, not just for 5 minutes. The initial washing is more critical.

Choice D reason: If indicated, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within hours of exposure, to maximize its effectiveness. Delaying PEP until the following day is not advisable.

A. Airborne B. Droplet C. Protective environment D. Contact

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are spread through the air over long distances, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. VRE is not typically spread through the air.

Choice B reason: Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread through large droplets in the air, such as influenza or pertussis. VRE is not spread through droplets but through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.

Choice C reason: A protective environment is designed to protect immunocompromised patients from infection and is not typically used for patients with VRE. This type of precaution includes the use of HEPA filters, laminar air flow, and other strategies to maintain a sterile environment.

Choice D reason: Contact precautions are the appropriate measures for a patient with a VRE infection. VRE can be spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment or through person-to-person spread, often via contaminated hands. It is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. Therefore, contact precautions, including the use of gloves and gowns, are necessary when caring for patients with VRE to prevent the spread of the bacteria.

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A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is D

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