The nurse is caring for a patient on a medical-surgical unit who has a fever of unknown origin. The prescriber has ordered a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Which intervention is the priority?
Obtaining all cultures before the antibiotic is administered
Delaying administration of the antibiotic until the culture results are available
Administering antipyretics as soon as possible
Administering the antibiotic immediately
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining all cultures before the antibiotic is administered: While obtaining cultures is important for identifying the specific pathogen causing the infection and guiding targeted antibiotic therapy, waiting for culture results can take time. During this time, the infection can progress. Therefore, it's generally recommended to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics first and then adjust the treatment based on culture results.
B. Delaying administration of the antibiotic until the culture results are available: Delaying antibiotics until culture results are available can be risky, as it allows the infection to progress, potentially leading to sepsis or other severe complications.
C. Administering antipyretics as soon as possible: Administering antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and make the patient more comfortable. However, the primary intervention for a suspected infection is antibiotic therapy, as it targets the underlying cause of the fever.
D. Administering the antibiotic immediately: When dealing with a patient with a fever of unknown origin and a suspected infection, the priority is to start appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly. Delaying antibiotic administration can allow the infection to worsen, leading to serious complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Neutrophils: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system's response to infections, particularly bacterial infections. They are not primarily involved in eliminating cancer cells.
B. Eosinophils: Eosinophils are another type of white blood cell. They are important in the immune response to parasites and are also involved in allergic reactions. While they have a role in the immune system, they are not the primary cells involved in eliminating cancer cells.
C. Platelets: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are not cells but rather small cell fragments. They are essential for blood clotting and do not directly participate in the immune response against cancer cells.
D. Macrophages: Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that are involved in the immune system's defense against cancer. They are phagocytes, which means they engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, and cancer cells. Macrophages play a crucial role in the body's immune surveillance and response against cancer.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You have developed urticaria in response to something in your environment."
This statement is incorrect. Urticaria refers to hives, a skin rash usually caused by an allergic reaction, infection, or stress. It's not necessarily indicative of an autoimmune disease.
B. "Your immune system is creating antibodies that are destroying your own cells."
This statement is correct. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own cells and tissues, leading to various health issues.
C. "Your immune system is not able to create antibodies to help you fight infection."
This statement is incorrect. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system is overactive, producing antibodies that target the body's own cells, not that it can't create antibodies.
D. "You have developed an infection that is destroying your immune cells."
This statement is incorrect. Infections don't typically destroy immune cells; instead, infections often stimulate the immune system to respond and fight against invading pathogens.
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