A patient has arrived at the emergency department reporting intermittent fever and night sweats for the past three weeks and has developed a cough that is productive with small amounts of blood. What should be the nurse’s priority intervention?

Obtain a sputum sample.

Arrange transport for radiographic imaging.

Move the patient into airborne isolation.

Collect specimens for blood cultures.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
Obtaining a sputum sample is important for diagnosing respiratory infections, but it is not the priority intervention in this case. The patient’s symptoms of intermittent fever, night sweats, and a productive cough with small amounts of blood are indicative of a possible airborne disease such as tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Arranging transport for radiographic imaging can be helpful in diagnosing the patient’s condition, but it is not the immediate priority. The primary concern should be to prevent the potential spread of an airborne disease.
Choice C rationale
Moving the patient into airborne isolation is the priority intervention. This action is taken to prevent the spread of potential airborne diseases to other patients and healthcare workers.
Choice D rationale
Collecting specimens for blood cultures can help identify the causative organism if the patient has a systemic infection. However, given the patient’s symptoms and the potential for an airborne disease, moving the patient into isolation is the priority.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While the renin-angiotensin response can be affected in cirrhosis, it is not the primary mechanism contributing to edema and ascites. In cirrhosis, there can be a decrease in renal blood flow which can lead to activation of the renin-angiotensin system, but this is not the main cause of fluid accumulation.
Choice B rationale
Hypoalbuminemia, or low levels of albumin in the blood, is a common occurrence in cirrhosis. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure, which keeps fluid in the blood vessels. When albumin levels are low, fluid can leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the abdomen (ascites) and in the tissues, causing edema.
Choice C rationale
Hyperaldosteronism can occur in cirrhosis and can contribute to fluid retention. However, it is not the primary mechanism leading to edema and ascites. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, which can contribute to fluid retention, but this is usually a secondary response to other changes in the body.
Choice D rationale
Decreased portacaval pressure with greater collateral circulation is not the primary mechanism contributing to edema and ascites in cirrhosis. While portal hypertension is a common complication of cirrhosis, it is not directly responsible for the development of edema and ascites.

A. Monitor skin for breakdown. B. Strict intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. C. Encourage regular turning. D. Assess wound drainage daily.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While monitoring skin for breakdown is an important aspect of nursing care, especially for bedridden or immobile patients, it is not the most important intervention for a client admitted with possible anastomosis leakage.
Choice B rationale
An anastomotic leak is a serious complication that occurs when the surgical connection between two parts of the intestine leaks, allowing the contents of the gastrointestinal tract to leak into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to serious infection and sepsis. Strict intravenous
(IV) fluid replacement is crucial in this situation to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging regular turning is an important aspect of nursing care to prevent pressure ulcers, especially for bedridden or immobile patients. However, it is not the most important intervention for a client admitted with possible anastomosis leakage.
Choice D rationale
Assessing wound drainage daily is an important aspect of postoperative care. However, in the case of a suspected anastomotic leak, more immediate and critical interventions are required.

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A patient has arrived at the emergency department reporting intermittent fever and night sweats for the past three weeks and has developed a cough that is productive with small amounts of blood. What should be the nurse’s priority intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse assesses a client with cirrhosis and finds 4+ pitting edema of the feet and legs, and massive ascites. Which mechanism contributes to edema and ascites in clients with cirrhosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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