A nurse is caring for a client with a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F). Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Administer antipyretic medication as prescribed.
Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Monitor vital signs every 4 hours.
Apply a cooling blanket to reduce fever.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering antipyretic medication as prescribed is a priority intervention for a client with a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F). Antipyretics help reduce fever and provide comfort to the patient. They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the fever response.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration is also important, but it is not the priority intervention. Adequate hydration helps maintain fluid balance and supports the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is essential for assessing the patient’s condition, but it is not an intervention that directly addresses the fever. It helps track the patient’s response to treatment and detect any changes in their condition.
Choice D rationale
Applying a cooling blanket to reduce fever can be effective, but it is typically used when antipyretic medications are not sufficient or contraindicated. Cooling measures help lower body temperature through conduction and evaporation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps to lower potassium levels by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to work and does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias caused by hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the client’s cardiac rhythm is the first intervention because hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of these arrhythmias, which is crucial for the client’s safety.
Choice C rationale
Restricting dietary potassium intake is an important long-term management strategy for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias and is not the first intervention.
Choice D rationale
Preparing the client for hemodialysis is a definitive treatment for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to arrange and initiate dialysis. Immediate cardiac monitoring is necessary to manage the acute risk of arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A positive Brudzinski’s sign is indicative of meningitis. It involves involuntary lifting of the legs when the neck is flexed, suggesting meningeal irritation.
Choice B rationale
A positive Babinski’s sign indicates central nervous system pathology but is not specific to meningitis. It involves dorsiflexion of the big toe when the sole of the foot is stimulated.
Choice C rationale
A positive Romberg’s sign indicates issues with proprioception and balance but is not specific to meningitis. It involves swaying or falling when standing with eyes closed.
Choice D rationale
A positive Murphy’s sign indicates gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and is not related to meningitis. It involves pain on palpation of the right upper quadrant during inspiration.
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