A nurse is caring for an adolescent in an emergency department who was brought to the emergency department by their parent. The adolescent reports intermittent low-grade fever and anorexia. Manifestations presented a few days after having dental work performed. Now they are worse. The adolescent noticed shortness of breath with exertion today. The nurse reports the 2400 assessment findings to the provider. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe? For each potential provider's prescription, click to specify if the potential prescription is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.
Administer antibiotic therapy
Obtain an echocardiogram
Obtain blood cultures x3
Restrict dental hygiene
Perform strenuous exercise regimen twice a day
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotic therapy is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can treat the possible bacterial infection that is causing the fever, anorexia, and shortness of breath. The client may have developed infective endocarditis, a serious condition that affects the heart valves and can lead to heart failure or stroke. Antibiotic therapy can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of mortality.
Choice B reason: Obtaining an echocardiogram is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help diagnose the presence and severity of infective endocarditis. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures. It can show if there is any damage to the heart valves, vegetation (clumps of bacteria and cells) on the valves, or signs of heart failure.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood cultures x3 is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help identify the causative organism of the infection and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures are samples of blood that are taken from different sites and times and tested for the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms. They can confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and determine the sensitivity and resistance of the bacteria to different antibiotics.
Choice D reason: Restricting dental hygiene is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can worsen the oral health and increase the risk of infection. Dental hygiene is important for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can harbor bacteria and cause dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis. These conditions can increase the risk of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) and infective endocarditis. The nurse should teach the client to maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing.
Choice E reason: Performing a strenuous exercise regimen twice a day is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can increase the cardiac workload and exacerbate the symptoms of infective endocarditis. Strenuous exercise can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, and fatigue, which can worsen the condition of the heart and the valves. The nurse should advise the client to avoid strenuous exercise and limit physical activity to a level that does not cause symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Elbow restraints are commonly used for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair to prevent them from touching or rubbing their incisions, which could cause bleeding, infection, or disruption of the sutures¹².
Choice B reason: Wrist restraints are not appropriate for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair because they do not prevent the infant from reaching their mouth with their fingers or objects. Wrist restraints are more suitable for older children or adults who need to avoid pulling out tubes or catheters³.
Choice C reason: Jacket restraints are not indicated for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair because they do not restrict the movement of the arms or hands. Jacket restraints are more useful for children who need to be secured to a bed or chair to prevent falls or injuries³.
Choice D reason: Mummy restraints are not recommended for infants who have undergone cleft lip and palate repair because they immobilize the entire body and can cause respiratory distress, overheating, or skin breakdown. Mummy restraints are only used for short procedures that require minimal movement, such as venipuncture or lumbar puncture³.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing the client's erythematous rash is an important action for the nurse to take, but it is not the priority. The rash is one of the minor criteria for diagnosing acute rheumatic fever, and it may not be present in all cases. The rash is usually non-pruritic and migratory, and it appears on the trunk and extremities.
Choice B reason: Identifying the degree of parental anxiety related to the diagnosis is an appropriate action for the nurse to take, but it is not the priority. The nurse should provide emotional support and education to the parents, and address their concerns and questions. However, this is not the most urgent action.
Choice C reason: Auscultating the rate and characteristics of the child's heart sounds is the priority action for the nurse to take, as it can detect the presence and severity of carditis, which is the most serious complication of acute rheumatic fever. Carditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, valves, or pericardium, and it can cause murmurs, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, heart failure, or death.
Choice D reason: Using a pain-rating tool to determine the severity of the joint pain is an important action for the nurse to take, but it is not the priority. The joint pain is one of the major criteria for diagnosing acute rheumatic fever, and it is usually severe and migratory, affecting the large joints such as the knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists. The nurse should assess the pain level and provide analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed.
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