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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Determining what the client knows about coronary artery disease is an important step in assessing the client's baseline knowledge. However, it's not the first step in developing teaching strategies. First, the nurse should establish a collaborative relationship with the client to set mutual learning goals.
Choice B rationale:
Identifying resources that will help support the client's lifestyle changes is an essential aspect of the teaching process, but it's not the initial step. The nurse needs to work with the client to set goals and develop a plan before seeking external resources.
Choice C rationale:
Establishing mutual learning goals with the client is the most crucial first step. This approach ensures that the teaching plan aligns with the client's needs and preferences, fostering a sense of partnership and increasing the likelihood of successful lifestyle changes.
Choice D rationale:
Scheduling a teaching session about coronary artery disease in a quiet setting is an important consideration for effective teaching, but it comes after the nurse and the client have identified mutual learning goals. The nurse should engage the client in goal-setting before planning specific teaching sessions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is not the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidic), low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, and a compensatory decrease in the PaCO2. In the provided ABG results, the pH is elevated, and both the PaCO2 and HCO3 levels are within normal ranges.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is also not the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an elevation in PaCO2 due to inadequate ventilation, leading to an acidic pH. In the provided ABG results, the pH is elevated, and the PaCO2 level is within normal range.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH, elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, and a compensatory increase in PaCO2. In this case, the pH is higher than the normal range, the HCO3 level is elevated, and the PaCO2 is also slightly increased as the body attempts to compensate.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is not the correct answer based on the provided ABG results. Respiratory alkalosis is marked by an elevated pH and a decrease in PaCO2 due to excessive ventilation. In the given ABG results, the pH is elevated, but the PaCO2 is not decreased; it's within the normal range.
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