A nurse is caring for a client who has a temperature of 40°C (104°F). Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Encourage the client to ambulate.
Give the client a cold sponge bath.
Administer antipyretics as prescribed.
Provide a cooling fan.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate is not appropriate when the client has a high fever of 40°C (104°F). Ambulation requires physical exertion and can potentially worsen the client's condition, especially when they are already experiencing discomfort due to the fever.
Choice B rationale:
Giving the client a cold sponge bath might seem like a logical approach to reduce fever; however, it is not the most effective and safest method. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, potentially increasing the body's metabolic demands and raising the temperature further. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can be uncomfortable and may not provide sustained fever reduction.
Choice C rationale:
Administering antipyretics as prescribed is the correct choice. Antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, work to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the body's temperature-regulating center. By reducing fever, the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption are decreased, which can help prevent complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration and discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Providing a cooling fan can offer some comfort, but it might not be sufficient to effectively lower the client's high fever. Fans primarily work by promoting evaporative cooling, which may not be efficient when the body temperature is significantly elevated. Additionally, relying solely on a cooling fan might delay the necessary intervention of administering antipyretic medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The walking gait test is used to assess a client's walking pattern and balance, particularly for identifying abnormalities in gait. However, it doesn't specifically evaluate sensory functions, making it an inappropriate choice for this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
The plantar reflex test, also known as the Babinski reflex test, assesses the neurological integrity of the corticospinal tract. It involves stimulating the sole of the foot to elicit specific reflex movements. While this test is important in assessing neurological function, it doesn't directly evaluate sensory functions as requested in the question.
Choice C rationale:
The finger-to-nose test is a part of the neurological examination used to assess a client's coordination and proprioception. In this test, the client is asked to touch their nose with their index finger while alternating between eyes closed and eyes open. This evaluates their ability to sense the position of their limbs in space (proprioception) and their coordination. It directly addresses the focus of the question, making it the correct choice.
Choice D rationale:
The Romberg test evaluates a client's balance and proprioception. It involves having the client stand with their feet together and their eyes closed to assess their ability to maintain balance without visual input. While this test is relevant to sensory functions, it primarily assesses proprioception and balance rather than coordination, which the question is specifically targeting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client who needs assistance when ambulating is an important consideration for care, but it does not necessarily require a priority referral. The nurse can assess the client's mobility and coordinate assistance within the rehabilitation unit as needed.
Choice B rationale:
A client who consistently has difficulty using utensils while eating is a concern for occupational therapy or speech therapy, but it is not an immediate priority. The client's difficulty with eating utensils can be addressed through therapeutic interventions within the rehabilitation setting.
Choice C rationale:
A client who has expressive aphasia requires a priority referral because this indicates potential communication difficulties that could hinder the client's ability to express needs, understand instructions, and participate in therapy. Expressive aphasia can impact the client's overall rehabilitation progress and safety.
Choice D rationale:
A client who consistently coughs after drinking liquids might require assessment and intervention, but it does not present an immediate priority. The nurse can address this concern within the rehabilitation unit and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team as needed.
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