On admission, the healthcare provider describes a broad spectrum of antibiotic, ticarcillin for a client with a gram-negative infection. Before administering the first dose, it is most important for the nurse to implement which prescription?
Monitor for signs of sodium and fluid retention.
Wound and blood specimen for culture and sensitivity.
Irrigation and tropical antibiotic application to wound area.
Complete the blood count and serum electrolytes.
The Correct Answer is B
Before administering the first dose of any antibiotic, it is essential to obtain a culture and sensitivity test to identify the causative organism and determine the most effective antibiotic to use. Administering a broad- spectrum antibiotic before obtaining a culture and sensitivity test may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it more difficult to treat the infection in the future.
Options a, c, and d are not as important as obtaining a culture and sensitivity test. Monitoring for signs of sodium and fluid retention, irrigation and topical antibiotic application to the wound area, and completing blood count and serum electrolytes are important, but obtaining a culture and sensitivity test is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach. The nurse should instruct the client to wait for 2 hours after meals before taking the tablet to promote the best absorption of the medication. The client should also be advised not to crush the enteric-coated tablets as this can affect the medication’s effectiveness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction.
Monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate that the medication is not effectively reducing ammonia absorption and may require adjustment in dose or frequency. Additionally, monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect any imbalances that may occur because of lactulose therapy.
Fingerstick glucose levels (option A) are not relevant to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
Stool color and character (option C) may be monitored to assess the side effects of lactulose, such as diarrhea, but are not the best assessments to evaluate therapeutic response.
Serum hepatic enzymes (option D) may be useful in assessing the severity of liver disease but are not the best assessment to evaluate the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
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