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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Latent hepatitis C is not a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. While it may require additional monitoring and treatment, it does not prevent a patient from receiving peritoneal dialysis.
Choice B rationale
Crohn’s disease with colectomy is a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. The presence of extensive adhesions and fibrosis from the surgery can make the peritoneum unsuitable for dialysis.
Choice C rationale
A history of nephrotic syndrome is not a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder, and peritoneal dialysis can be used as a treatment for patients with kidney disease.
Choice D rationale
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for peritoneal dialysis. Many patients with diabetes undergo peritoneal dialysis. However, careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary, as the dialysis solution used in peritoneal dialysis contains glucose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A lumbar puncture is a key diagnostic procedure for suspected bacterial meningitis. It allows for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid, which can be analyzed for signs of bacterial infection.
Choice B rationale
Skull radiography is not typically used to diagnose bacterial meningitis. While it can help identify abnormalities in the structure of the skull or brain, it cannot detect the presence of bacteria.
Choice C rationale
While an MRI can provide detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues, it is not the primary tool for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. It may be used in conjunction with other tests, but a lumbar puncture is more definitive.
Choice D rationale
A CT scan can be used to detect abnormalities in the brain, such as swelling or inflammation, which could be indicative of meningitis. However, it cannot definitively diagnose bacterial meningitis.
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