A patient has arrived at the emergency department reporting intermittent fever and night sweats for the past three weeks and has developed a cough that is productive with small amounts of blood. What should be the nurse’s priority intervention?
Obtain a sputum sample.
Arrange transport for radiographic imaging.
Move the patient into airborne isolation.
Collect specimens for blood cultures.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a sputum sample is important for diagnosing respiratory infections, but it is not the priority intervention in this case. The patient’s symptoms of intermittent fever, night sweats, and a productive cough with small amounts of blood are indicative of a possible airborne disease such as tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Arranging transport for radiographic imaging can be helpful in diagnosing the patient’s condition, but it is not the immediate priority. The primary concern should be to prevent the potential spread of an airborne disease.
Choice C rationale
Moving the patient into airborne isolation is the priority intervention. This action is taken to prevent the spread of potential airborne diseases to other patients and healthcare workers.
Choice D rationale
Collecting specimens for blood cultures can help identify the causative organism if the patient has a systemic infection. However, given the patient’s symptoms and the potential for an airborne disease, moving the patient into isolation is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Notifying the healthcare provider of the client’s medication history is the priority nursing action. Heparin is an anticoagulant, which increases the risk of bleeding. The healthcare provider needs this information to make appropriate decisions about the client’s surgical plan and postoperative care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a white blood cell count can indicate an infection or inflammation in the body, it’s not the most relevant laboratory result to review when a client presents with petechiae and ecchymosis. These symptoms are more commonly associated with platelet disorders or coagulation issues.
Choice B rationale
A platelet count is the most relevant laboratory result to review for a client with petechiae and ecchymosis. These symptoms are often caused by low platelet counts, which can lead to bleeding and bruising. Therefore, reviewing the platelet count can provide valuable information about the client’s condition.
Choice C rationale
A red blood cell count can provide information about the client’s overall health and can indicate conditions like anemia. However, it’s not directly related to the presence of petechiae and ecchymosis.
Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin levels can indicate conditions like anemia, but they’re not directly related to the presence of petechiae and ecchymosis. These symptoms are more commonly associated with platelet disorders or coagulation issues.
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