A patient has been on antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks and reports watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. What intervention should the nurse suggest to the healthcare provider?
“A blood culture should be drawn.”.
“A stool sample should be collected to test for Clostridium difficile.”.
“The antibiotic should be discontinued immediately.”.
“An antidiarrheal should be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While a blood culture could be useful in diagnosing a systemic infection, it would not be the most appropriate intervention for a patient reporting watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps after 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy.
Choice B rationale
A stool sample should be collected to test for Clostridium difficile. This bacterium can overgrow in the gut during antibiotic therapy, leading to symptoms such as watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the antibiotic immediately may not be the best course of action without confirming the cause of the symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Prescribing an antidiarrheal could alleviate discomfort, but it would not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to keep your doctor informed about your blood glucose levels, a single reading of 57 mg/dL may not require immediate medical attention. However, if hypoglycemia symptoms persist or the patient has repeated episodes of low blood sugar, they should contact their healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
Resting until the symptoms pass is not an appropriate response to hypoglycemia. Without treatment, hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including loss of consciousness or seizures.
Choice C rationale
Taking an oral form of glucose is the correct response when experiencing hypoglycemia. This could be in the form of glucose tablets, juice, or other fast-acting carbohydrates.
Choice D rationale
Giving oneself regular insulin when blood glucose is low could further lower blood glucose levels and worsen hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a fasting blood sugar level of 130 mg/dL is slightly elevated, it is not the most concerning finding given the current medications. Metformin is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, so this patient’s blood sugar is being managed.
Choice B rationale
Yellow discoloration of the sclera is a sign of jaundice, which can indicate liver damage. Given that this patient is taking several medications that can potentially cause liver damage (including isoniazid and acetaminophen), this finding is most concerning.
Choice C rationale
A positive result on the tuberculin skin test indicates exposure to tuberculosis, but it does not necessarily mean the patient has active tuberculosis. The patient is currently taking medications for tuberculosis (isoniazid and rifampin), indicating that this condition is being managed.
Choice D rationale
A blood pressure reading of 100/70 mmHg is within the normal range, so this would not be the most concerning finding. The patient’s metoprolol medication is used to manage blood pressure, indicating that this aspect of the patient’s health is being managed. Prednisone Prednisone Explore
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