A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for cefazolin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider prior to administering the initial dose? (Click on the exhibit tabs for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)
Allergies
Temperature
Chest x-ray
WBC count
The Correct Answer is A
- Allergies: The client has a documented allergy to penicillin, and cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins have a similar beta-lactam structure to penicillins, and there is a potential risk of cross-reactivity. Administering cefazolin without provider clearance could result in a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
- Temperature: Although the client's temperature is elevated at 39.3° C (102.8° F), this is an expected finding in pneumonia and does not need to be reported before antibiotic administration. In fact, treating the infection may help reduce the fever.
- Chest x-ray: The chest x-ray showing left lower lobe density is consistent with a diagnosis of pneumonia and supports the need for antibiotic treatment. This finding confirms the infection in the lungs and guides the choice of antibiotic therapy. It is not a reason to withhold the prescribed medication but rather a justification for it.
- WBC count: The client’s WBC count is elevated at 16,000/mm³, which is typical in bacterial infections like pneumonia. It reflects the body's immune response and further supports the need for antibiotics rather than delaying them.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Allergies: The client has a documented allergy to penicillin, and cefazolin is a first-generation cephalosporin. Cephalosporins have a similar beta-lactam structure to penicillins, and there is a potential risk of cross-reactivity. Administering cefazolin without provider clearance could result in a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
- Temperature: Although the client's temperature is elevated at 39.3° C (102.8° F), this is an expected finding in pneumonia and does not need to be reported before antibiotic administration. In fact, treating the infection may help reduce the fever.
- Chest x-ray: The chest x-ray showing left lower lobe density is consistent with a diagnosis of pneumonia and supports the need for antibiotic treatment. This finding confirms the infection in the lungs and guides the choice of antibiotic therapy. It is not a reason to withhold the prescribed medication but rather a justification for it.
- WBC count: The client’s WBC count is elevated at 16,000/mm³, which is typical in bacterial infections like pneumonia. It reflects the body's immune response and further supports the need for antibiotics rather than delaying them.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is not typically a direct indicator of unrelieved pain. It could suggest neurological or throat-related issues rather than being a primary symptom associated with inadequate pain control.
B. Constipation: Constipation is a common postoperative complication, often related to anesthesia, immobility, or opioid use. While it is important to address, it does not directly reflect the client's current pain level or effectiveness of pain management.
C. Urinary retention: Urinary retention can occur due to anesthesia effects, pelvic surgery, or opioid administration. Although it is a significant postoperative concern, it is not a reliable or direct indicator of unrelieved pain.
D. Restlessness: Restlessness is a common sign of unrelieved pain, particularly in postoperative clients. When clients are uncomfortable or in significant pain, they may appear restless, anxious, or unable to remain still, signaling the need for further pain assessment and intervention.
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