A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a history of angina and reports having a dull chest pressure that radiates to the left side of his neck. Which of the following is the priority medication the nurse should anticipate the provider prescribing?

Rationale:

• Antibiotic: Administering an antibiotic addresses the underlying infection, which is likely causing the fever, low blood pressure, and altered mental status. Prompt antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of progression to septic shock. Early intervention improves patient outcomes in suspected sepsis.

• Antipyretic: An antipyretic helps reduce fever but does not treat the underlying infection. Lowering the temperature alone would not address the systemic inflammatory response seen in sepsis. This option does not prevent clinical deterioration.

• Anti-anxiety medication: An anti-anxiety medication may temporarily calm the patient but can worsen confusion and mask signs of deterioration. It does not treat the infection or improve hemodynamic status. This is inappropriate in suspected sepsis.

• Suspected surgical site infection and sepsis: The inflamed, draining surgical wound, fever, hypotension, and high WBC strongly indicate a developing infection. Mental status changes are also typical in sepsis. This makes infection the most urgent concern requiring antibiotic therapy.

• Elevated temperature and heart rate: While these signs are concerning, they are common with many conditions and not specific to sepsis. They are part of the clinical picture but not the driving reason for immediate antibiotic treatment.

• History of Parkinson’s disease and confusion: The confusion may partly relate to Parkinson’s or sensory impairment, but acute mental status changes with fever and hypotension suggest sepsis. Parkinson’s is chronic and not the immediate priority.

Rationale:

A. "I will follow a full-liquid diet the day before the procedure.": Clients are typically instructed to follow a clear-liquid, not full-liquid, diet the day before a colonoscopy. Clear liquids like broth, gelatin, and clear juice help ensure the colon is clean for optimal visualization.

B. "I'll have my friend drive me home after the procedure.": Sedation is usually administered during a colonoscopy, which impairs alertness and coordination. Having a responsible adult to drive the client home is necessary and reflects appropriate understanding of post-procedure safety.

C. "I can expect rectal bleeding for a week after the procedure”: Rectal bleeding after a colonoscopy is not expected and could indicate complications such as a perforation or polyp removal site bleeding. Any persistent or heavy bleeding should be reported immediately.

D. "This procedure will take place while I’m under general anesthesia.”: Colonoscopies are generally performed under moderate (conscious) sedation, not general anesthesia. Clients remain semi-awake but relaxed and unaware, making this statement inaccurate.