An older adult client presents with dyspnea on exertion, cough with green sputum, fever, and fatigue. The nurse notes thick rhonchi/coarse crackles upon lung auscultation and the patient's chest X-ray shows bilateral consolidation. The nurse anticipates which of the following interventions?
Western Blot test
Initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Initiation of Isoniazid and Rifampin
Antiretroviral therapy.
The Correct Answer is B
A) "Western Blot test":
. The Western Blot test is typically used to confirm HIV infection after a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This test is not relevant for diagnosing pneumonia, which is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms. The patient's presentation — including dyspnea on exertion, cough with green sputum, fever, fatigue, and bilateral consolidation on the chest X-ray — points to a respiratory infection (likely pneumonia) rather than an HIV-related issue.
B) "Initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics":
. The patient's symptoms, including dyspnea, cough with green sputum, fever, fatigue, and bilateral consolidation on chest X-ray, strongly suggest community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). In either case, broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated to cover a wide range of potential bacterial pathogens, especially in older adults or those with comorbidities who may be at risk for more severe infections. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is necessary to prevent complications such as respiratory failure or sepsis. Once cultures and sensitivities are obtained, the antibiotics may be adjusted based on the specific pathogen.
C) "Initiation of Isoniazid and Rifampin":
. Isoniazid and Rifampin are used to treat tuberculosis (TB), but this patient’s symptoms do not indicate TB. The patient is experiencing acute respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough with sputum production, and consolidation on chest X-ray, which are more indicative of pneumonia than of tuberculosis. Although TB could present similarly, additional testing such as a TB skin test (TST) or sputum culture for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) would be necessary before initiating antitubercular therapy. The priority intervention here is antibiotic treatment for bacterial pneumonia.
D) "Antiretroviral therapy":
. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat HIV, but there is no indication that this patient has HIV. The symptoms presented — dyspnea, productive cough, fever, and bilateral consolidation on chest X-ray — are more consistent with an acute bacterial infection such as pneumonia rather than an HIV-related complication. ART would only be appropriate if the patient were known to have HIV and developed an opportunistic infection; however, this patient's presentation suggests a primary respiratory infection, not an HIV-related issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "The procedure can help determine whether your stroke was caused by a clot or by bleeding": This statement is incorrect. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain, not to assess stroke-related causes. To determine whether a stroke was caused by a clot or bleeding, imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI are typically used, not an EEG.
B) "The procedure can help identify which part of the brain seizure activity is coming from": This is the correct response. An EEG records electrical activity in the brain and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. It can help pinpoint the area of the brain where abnormal electrical activity, such as that seen in seizures, is originating. This makes it an invaluable tool for understanding seizure disorders.
C) "The procedure helps evaluate nerve function to your extremities": This statement is inaccurate. An EEG does not assess nerve function to the extremities. Tests like nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) are used to evaluate peripheral nerve function, whereas an EEG specifically measures electrical activity in the brain.
D) "The procedure shows images of your heart’s electrical activity": This statement is incorrect. An EEG measures brain electrical activity, not the heart's. To assess the heart's electrical activity, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used. Therefore, an EEG and an ECG serve very different purposes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Following up with your dentist frequently will be important.":
This is the correct and important advice to give. Phenytoin (Dilantin), an anticonvulsant, can cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia), which makes it important for the patient to have regular dental check-ups. Poor oral hygiene combined with gingival hyperplasia can increase the risk of infection and other oral health issues. Therefore, advising the patient to follow up frequently with a dentist is essential to manage this side effect.
B. "Take an antacid with the medication if indigestion occurs.":
advice. Taking an antacid with phenytoin can interfere with its absorption. Antacids, especially those containing aluminum or magnesium, can reduce the effectiveness of phenytoin, leading to suboptimal therapeutic levels. It’s important to separate phenytoin from antacids by at least 2 hours to avoid this interaction. Therefore, antacids should not be used with phenytoin to manage indigestion.
C. "Alcoholic beverages should be limited to 1-2 per day while taking phenytoin.":
This is inaccurate advice. Alcohol can significantly affect the metabolism of phenytoin, increasing the risk of both toxicity and reduced effectiveness. Alcohol may lower the seizure threshold and interfere with the therapeutic effect of phenytoin, especially in higher amounts. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients taking phenytoin avoid alcohol altogether, or at the very least limit consumption significantly and discuss it with their healthcare provider.
D. "Phenytoin may turn your urine orange.":
information. Phenytoin does not cause urine to turn orange. Urine discoloration can occur with some medications (like rifampin, for example), but not with phenytoin. This statement could cause unnecessary confusion for the patient. It is essential to provide accurate information to avoid misconceptions about medication side effects.
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