An adult female patient has been prescribed a 10-day course of nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) for a urinary tract infection (UTI). On the sixth day, she contacts the healthcare provider’s office and informs the nurse that her symptoms have subsided. She inquires if she should continue with the treatment.
What would be the most suitable response from the registered nurse?
The treatment might have been successful, but we need to conduct another urinalysis to confirm.
The treatment has not been effective, but you must continue with the antibiotic.
The treatment has been successful, and you may stop taking the antibiotic.
The treatment has been successful, but you must complete the full course of the antibiotic.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale for Choice A:
While it's true that a urinalysis can confirm the eradication of bacteria, it's not routinely recommended in uncomplicated UTIs when symptoms have resolved.
Conducting a urinalysis at this point could potentially lead to unnecessary healthcare visits and costs.
It's important to prioritize patient adherence to the full course of antibiotics, as this is the most effective way to prevent recurrence of infection.
Rationale for Choice B:
This response is inaccurate and could discourage the patient from completing the treatment.
It's essential for the nurse to convey that the treatment is likely working, even though the patient is feeling better. Reinforcing the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial for optimal outcomes. Rationale for Choice C:
Stopping the antibiotic prematurely, even if symptoms have improved, can lead to:
Increased risk of recurrent UTI
Development of antibiotic resistance
Prolonged or more severe infections in the future
Completing the full course of antibiotics ensures that all bacteria are eradicated, reducing the likelihood of these complications.
Rationale for Choice D:
This response correctly emphasizes the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even when symptoms have resolved.
It addresses the patient's concern while providing accurate and essential information.
Key points to highlight in this response include:
The need to eliminate all bacteria, including those that may not be causing active symptoms
The prevention of antibiotic resistance
The reduction of the risk of recurrent UTIs
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["65"]
Explanation
Here are the steps to calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:
Step 1: Calculate the total volume of fluid to be infused.
The order is for 1.5 grams of Ampicillin added to 100 mL of Normal Saline, so the total volume is 100 mL. Step 2: Calculate the number of vials of Ampicillin needed.
Each vial contains 500 mg of Ampicillin, and the order is for 1.5 grams (which is 1500 mg). Therefore, you will need 3 vials of Ampicillin (1500 mg ÷ 500 mg/vial = 3 vials). Step 3: Calculate the total volume of Ampicillin solution.
Each vial contains 10 mL of Ampicillin solution, and you need 3 vials.
Therefore, the total volume of Ampicillin solution is 30 mL (3 vials × 10 mL/vial = 30 mL). Step 4: Calculate the total volume to be infused, including the Ampicillin solution. The total volume is 100 mL of Normal Saline + 30 mL of Ampicillin solution = 130 mL. Step 5: Calculate the infusion time in minutes.
The order is to infuse over 120 minutes.
Step 6: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min.
Use the formula: Flow rate (gtt/min) = Total volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL) ÷ Infusion time (min) Plug in the values: Flow rate = 130 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 120 min
Simplify: Flow rate = 7800 ÷ 120
Flow rate = 65 gtt/min
Therefore, the flow rate in gtt/min in which the IV fluid is to flow is 65 gtt/min.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Anatomy: The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, just behind the pubic bone. It stores urine until it is emptied through urination. The area between the symphysis pubis (the joint where the two pubic bones meet) and the umbilicus (belly button) is directly over the bladder, making it the most appropriate place to palpate for bladder distention.
Signs of bladder distention: When the bladder is distended, it can be felt as a firm, round mass in the lower abdomen. The patient may also experience discomfort, pressure, or an urge to urinate.
Nursing assessment: Palpation is a key nursing assessment skill used to evaluate the size, shape, and position of organs within the abdomen. In this case, palpation helps the nurse to determine if the bladder is distended and to assess the severity of the distention.
Clinical significance: Bladder distention can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Postoperative urinary retention due to anesthesia or pain medications
Urinary tract obstruction (e.g., from a kidney stone or enlarged prostate)
Neurological conditions that affect bladder function (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)
Dehydration
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, anticholinergics)
Prompt intervention: Bladder distention can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and discomfort. It's important for the nurse to identify and address bladder distention promptly to prevent these complications.
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