A nurse is caring for a client on a psychiatric unit.

Exhibits

For each potential action, click to specify if the action is indicated or contraindicated for the client.

A. The catheter should be picked up carefully, but the length from the tip is less important than maintaining sterility.

B. Cleansing the area is typically done with a single clean swab in a circular motion from the urethral meatus outward.

C. The correct technique for cleaning the penis is a circular motion from the urethra outward, not side-to-side.

D. Lifting the penis perpendicular to the body helps straighten the urethra, making catheter insertion easier and reducing the risk of injury.

A. Obtain a serum WBC count: A WBC count will help assess for infection, as the client presents with fever, confusion, and urinary symptoms. Elevated WBC could suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other infection.
B. Insert indwelling urinary catheter: An indwelling catheter is not immediately necessary unless the client is unable to void or requires continuous monitoring. Non-invasive methods like obtaining a urine sample for analysis would be a priority.
C. Make the client NPO: There is no indication that the client requires NPO status at this time. Unless surgery or another procedure is planned, this is not necessary.
D. Initiate antibiotic therapy: Given the client's symptoms (fever, confusion, urinary frequency, urgency, and dark urine), a UTI or other infection is likely. Antibiotics are needed to treat the suspected infection.
E. Obtain a consent for surgery: There is no indication that surgery is needed based on the current clinical information. The primary concern is infection, not surgical intervention.
F. Withhold metoprolol: While metoprolol may lower blood pressure, there is no indication to withhold it at this time. The client’s blood pressure is already low, and withholding this medication could worsen hypotension. Any changes in the medication regimen should be made based on further evaluation by the provider.
G. Administer acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is indicated to help reduce the client's fever (39.3°C/102.7°F). Managing the fever will help improve comfort and prevent complications like delirium.
H. Collect urine for urinalysis and culture and sensitivity: Urine analysis and culture will help confirm the presence of a UTI, identify the causative pathogen, and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.
I. Obtain chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is not necessary unless there is a suspicion of a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia. The symptoms are more consistent with a UTI or systemic infection, so a chest x-ray is not a priority.