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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Using a 5-mL syringe to flush the catheter is not the best choice. Central venous access devices typically require a larger syringe for flushing to prevent excessive pressure and potential damage to the catheter. A smaller syringe like the 5-mL syringe can create higher pressure, which could cause complications.

Choice B rationale:

Changing the site dressing and stabilization device every 24 hours is not the recommended practice. The dressing and stabilization device should be changed according to facility policy and as needed, but a rigid 24-hour schedule is not necessary and might increase the risk of infection due to unnecessary exposure.

Choice C rationale:

Expecting blood to appear in the catheter lumen after flushing is incorrect. Blood in the catheter lumen after flushing could indicate complications such as a dislodged catheter or other issues requiring immediate attention. The catheter should ideally remain patent without the presence of blood.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct choice. Using chlorhexidine solution to clean the catheter is an evidence-based practice to prevent infection at the insertion site. Chlorhexidine has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and helps reduce the risk of catheter-related infections.

A. A client who has dehydration with a urine output of 40 mL/hr. B. A client who has cancer and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10. C. A client who has asthma and a respiratory rate of 40/min. D. A client who has diabetes mellitus and a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Dehydration is a serious condition, and a urine output of 40 mL/hr is indicative of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. However, this situation does not require immediate intervention compared to other choices.

Choice B rationale:

Pain management is important, and a pain score of 4 out of 10 indicates mild to moderate pain. While addressing pain is essential for the client's comfort, it is not an immediate priority compared to the situation presented in another choice.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct Choice) A respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute in a client with asthma indicates severe respiratory distress. This client is at risk of respiratory failure and requires immediate assessment and intervention.

Choice D rationale:

A fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL in a client with diabetes mellitus is within a normal range and does not require immediate attention when compared to the urgent situation in another choice.

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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?

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