A patient has been diagnosed with an empyema. What does the healthcare professional tell the patient about this condition?
We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space
These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise
You will be given a long course of antiviral medication
We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue
The Correct Answer is A
A. We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space: An empyema is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space, typically due to infection or inflammation. The primary treatment often involves draining the infected fluid to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying infection, making this statement accurate and appropriate for the patient.
B. These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise: This statement is not applicable to empyema. Blebs are associated with conditions like pulmonary bullae or emphysema, not empyema. Empyema specifically refers to pus in the pleural space, not blebs in the lungs.
C. You will be given a long course of antiviral medication: Antiviral medication is not typically indicated for empyema, as it is often caused by bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage rather than antiviral therapy.
D. We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue: While monitoring for respiratory status is important in any patient with empyema, this statement does not specifically address the nature of empyema or its treatment. The focus should be on managing the infection and drainage of the pleural space.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Obtaining a STAT electrocardiogram: While obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be important in evaluating a patient's cardiac status, it is not the highest priority in the context of suspected AAA rupture. Immediate management focuses on stabilizing the patient and addressing potential hemorrhagic shock.
B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter: Inserting a urinary catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output, but it is not the immediate priority when managing a suspected AAA rupture. The focus should be on life-threatening conditions first.
C. Increasing cardiac contractility: Increasing cardiac contractility may be relevant in some clinical situations, but it does not directly address the urgent need to maintain hemodynamic stability and prevent shock in a patient with suspected AAA rupture.
D. Maintaining blood pressure: Maintaining blood pressure is the highest priority intervention in this scenario. Patients with a suspected AAA rupture are at high risk for hypovolemic shock due to internal bleeding. Ensuring adequate blood pressure is critical to perfusing vital organs and stabilizing the patient before surgical intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fungus: While fungal infections can cause infective endocarditis, they are much less common compared to bacterial infections. Fungal endocarditis typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals or those with specific risk factors.
B. Virus: Viral infections can affect the heart, but they are not a common cause of infective endocarditis. Most cases of endocarditis are associated with bacterial infections rather than viral ones.
C. Bacterium: The most common cause of infective endocarditis is bacterial infection. Bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, and Enterococcus, are frequently implicated in this condition. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and adhere to heart valves or damaged cardiac tissue, leading to infection and inflammation.
D. Rickettsiae: Rickettsial infections are caused by a specific type of bacteria that are typically transmitted through arthropod vectors, such as ticks. While they can cause various illnesses, they are not a common cause of infective endocarditis.
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