A nurse is planning care for a client who has a fever due to an infection. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Encourage fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day.
Maintain the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F).
Immerse the client in cold water.
Assist the client to ambulate.
The Correct Answer is A
Choosing the best intervention for a client with fever due to infection:
The most appropriate intervention for a client with fever due to infection depends on various factors, including the severity of the fever, the client's age and overall health, and their individual preferences. Let's analyze each option and explain its rationale:
a. Encourage fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day.
Rationale:
- Pros: Fever often leads to increased sweating and fluid loss through respiration. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can worsen discomfort and potentially lead to complications like organ dysfunction. Encouraging a fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day is generally recommended for adults with fever, although individual needs may vary based on factors like body size and activity level.
- Cons: While hydration is essential, forcing fluids on a client who experiences nausea or vomiting can be counterproductive. Additionally, some clients with certain medical conditions, like heart failure, may require fluid restriction, making this option inappropriate.
b. Maintain the environmental temperature at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F).
Rationale:
- Cons: Excessively cool environments can trigger shivering, which actually increases body heat production and can worsen the fever. Additionally, maintaining such a low room temperature can be uncomfortable for the client and may increase their risk of chills.
c. Immerse the client in cold water.
Rationale:
- Cons: Immersing a client in cold water, like a bath, can be a dangerous and counterproductive intervention. The sudden chill can trigger violent shivering, significantly increasing body heat production and potentially causing shock. Moreover, rapid cooling can be uncomfortable and even risky for people with certain health conditions like heart disease.
d. Assist the client to ambulate.
Rationale:
- Cons: While ambulation is generally encouraged for healthy clients, it may not be suitable for everyone with a fever. Depending on the severity of the fever and the client's overall condition, ambulation could be tiring and even unsafe. In some cases, rest may be more appropriate to promote comfort and recovery.
Therefore, the most appropriate intervention for a client with fever due to infection is:
a. Encourage fluid intake of 2,500 mL/day.
Remember:
- Individualize care based on the client's specific needs and preferences.
- Monitor the client's response to interventions and adjust as needed.
- Consult with the healthcare provider for guidance on managing the fever and addressing any underlying infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dishwashing gloves are often made of latex, which can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals with a latex allergy. Direct contact with latex-containing items should be avoided to prevent allergic responses.
Choice B rationale:
Adhesive tape commonly contains latex and can lead to allergic reactions in individuals with a latex allergy. Avoiding contact with latex-containing items is crucial to prevent potential allergic symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Macadamia nuts and bananas do not typically contain latex and are not known to trigger latex allergies. While these items can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, they are not relevant to a latex allergy.
Choice D rationale:
While macadamia nuts and bananas can cause allergies in some people, they do not contain latex and are not associated with latex allergies. Therefore, they are not items that the nurse needs to instruct the client to avoid due to their latex allergy.
Choice E rationale:
Rubber bands are often made from latex, which can provoke an allergic reaction in individuals with a latex allergy. Encouraging the client to steer clear of items like rubber bands helps prevent potential allergic responses.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. List of community resources.
Choice A rationale:
Emergency contact information is typically found in the patient’s admission records or demographic section, not in the discharge summary.
Choice B rationale:
Intake and output summary is part of the daily nursing notes or fluid balance chart, not usually included in the discharge summary.
Choice C rationale:
The discharge summary often includes a list of community resources to support the patient after discharge, such as contact information for follow-up care, support groups, or home health services.
Choice D rationale:
Basic demographic data is recorded in the patient’s initial admission records and is not typically repeated in the discharge summary.
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