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 D
Explanation
When handling an unused portion of an oral opioid analgesic after administration, the nurse should take the following action:
D) Return the unused portion to the locked narcotics storage location.
Returning the unused portion to the locked narcotics storage location is a crucial step to ensure proper control and documentation of controlled substances like opioids. It helps prevent diversion and ensures the security and accountability of these medications.
Options A, B, and C are not appropriate:
A) Sending the unused portion to the pharmacy is not typically the responsibility of the nurse, and it may not be a practical or safe option for controlled substances.
B) Having a second nurse verify disposal of the unused portion is not a standard practice for oral medication administration.
C) Keeping the unused portion in the client's medication drawer is not an appropriate method of handling unused controlled substances, as it lacks the necessary security and accountability measures.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased sensitivity to touch is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience decreased sensitivity to touch due to changes in nerve endings and decreased skin elasticity. This can lead to decreased sensation rather than increased sensitivity.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased peripheral circulation is an expected physiological change associated with aging. With age, blood vessels can become less elastic and more narrow, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. This can result in cold extremities, delayed wound healing, and increased vulnerability to skin breakdown. Nurses should assess for signs of impaired circulation in older adult clients and provide appropriate interventions to prevent complications.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased airway resistance is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. Older adults often experience increased airway resistance due to changes in lung elasticity and chest wall compliance. This can lead to decreased lung function and a higher risk of respiratory issues such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Choice D rationale:
Increased appetite is not an expected physiological change associated with aging. In fact, many older adults experience a decrease in appetite due to factors such as changes in metabolism, decreased sense of taste and smell, and underlying health conditions. This reduced appetite can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss in the elderly population.
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