The patient reports experiencing frequent watery stools after eating undercooked meat at a restaurant. Which health care provider prescription would the nurse implement first?
Administer metronidazole
Administer loperamide
Obtain a CBC
Collect a stool sample
The Correct Answer is D
A. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including those caused by organisms like Giardia and some anaerobic bacteria. While it may be appropriate if a specific diagnosis indicates its use, it is not the first action without further evaluation.
B. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that slows intestinal movement and can help alleviate diarrhea. However, using loperamide in cases of suspected infectious diarrhea (especially if due to a bacterial or parasitic cause) can worsen the condition by keeping pathogens in the system longer. It is generally not the first choice in such scenarios.
C. A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about the patient's overall health and help identify signs of infection (like elevated white blood cell counts). However, this diagnostic test is not an immediate intervention to manage the patient's current symptoms.
D. Collecting a stool sample is crucial to identify the causative organism responsible for the diarrhea, especially given the recent consumption of undercooked meat. This step is important for guiding appropriate treatment, as it will help determine whether an infectious agent is present and what specific treatment may be required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining and is the most common cause of chronic gastritis. It is associated with the development of peptic ulcers and can lead to long-term inflammation of the stomach lining. This option is the correct answer.
B. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the stomach lining and cause acute or chronic gastritis, particularly with long-term use. However, while they are significant contributors, they are not the most common cause of chronic gastritis overall.
C. Chronic alcohol consumption can damage the stomach lining and lead to gastritis. While it is a known risk factor for gastric inflammation, it is less common than H. pylori infection as a primary cause of chronic gastritis.
D. Smoking can exacerbate gastric conditions and is associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, but it is not a direct or common cause of chronic gastritis.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
A. Living independently does not inherently increase the risk for C. difficile. Risk factors are more related to antibiotic use, exposure in healthcare settings, and individual health conditions rather than the living situation itself.
B. A weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive therapy) can increase susceptibility to infections, including C. difficile. Individuals with compromised immunity are less able to fight off infections.
C. The use of antibiotics is a significant risk factor for C. difficile infection. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut flora, leading to overgrowth of C. difficile and subsequent infection.
D. While watery diarrhea is a common symptom of C. difficile infection, it is not a risk factor for developing the infection itself. Instead, it indicates that the infection is already present. Thus, this option does not contribute to the risk of developing C. difficile.
E. Fever is often a symptom of an underlying infection but is not a direct risk factor for developing C. difficile. It can occur with C. difficile infection but does not increase the likelihood of becoming infected.
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