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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Positioning the client so that they are lying flat (Choice A) is not the appropriate action after evisceration. Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs through a wound, and lying flat could potentially put pressure on the exposed organs and worsen the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the client's oral fluid intake (Choice B) is generally a good practice for postoperative care, but it is not the priority in the case of evisceration. The primary concern is protecting the exposed organs and preventing infection.
Choice C rationale:
Preparing the client for emergency surgery (Choice C) is the correct action after observing evisceration. Evisceration is a surgical emergency, and the client needs immediate medical intervention to repair the wound and secure the exposed organs.
Choice D rationale:
Applying gentle pressure to the dressed wound (Choice D) is contraindicated in the case of evisceration. Applying pressure could further damage the exposed organs and increase the risk of infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Large pieces of furniture do not necessarily create a significant risk for falls unless they are poorly placed or obstructing pathways. While they can potentially cause accidents, the likelihood of tripping over them is generally lower compared to other hazards.
Choice B rationale:
A bedside table next to the bed is not a significant fall risk factor. In fact, having a bedside table can be beneficial for the client, as it provides a convenient surface for placing items that the client might need during the night.
Choice C rationale:
Raised toilet seats, although they may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues, are typically installed to aid those with difficulty sitting down or standing up. They are not a primary risk factor for falls, especially when compared to other more hazardous factors.
Choice D rationale:
Throw rugs on hardwood floors are a significant fall risk factor, especially for older adults or individuals with mobility problems. The rugs can easily shift or bunch up, causing someone to trip and fall. Hardwood floors can also become slippery, and the combination of a throw rug on such a surface increases the risk of accidents. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in the potential for tripping and slipping hazards that these throw rugs can introduce, especially in individuals who might already have balance or mobility issues.
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