A patient with right lower-lobe pneumonia has been treated with IV antibiotics for 3 days. Which assessment data obtained by the nurse indicates that the treatment is effective?
The patient's white blood cell (WBC) count is 6000/μL.
Bronchial breath sounds are heard at the right base.
Increased tactile fremitus is palpable over the right chest.
The patient coughs up small amounts of green mucus.
The Correct Answer is A
A. A decrease in the white blood cell count toward normal levels indicates that the infection is responding to antibiotic treatment. A WBC count of 6000/μL is within the normal range for adults (usually 4,000–11,000/μL), which suggests that the body is no longer fighting a significant infection.
B. Bronchial breath sounds heard at the right base indicate consolidation, a sign of ongoing pneumonia or unresolved infection. This would suggest that the infection is not yet controlled, rather than an improvement.
C. Increased tactile fremitus indicates consolidation, which is commonly seen in pneumonia. It suggests that the infection is still present and has not resolved with treatment.
D. Green mucus can indicate the presence of purulent sputum and ongoing infection. Although the color of the mucus may change during the course of pneumonia, the presence of green mucus does not confirm that the infection is resolving, especially after three days of antibiotics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Petroleum jelly should not be used on the nares with oxygen therapy, as it is flammable and could pose a fire hazard. Non-petroleum-based lubricants should be used if needed.
B. A humidifier should be attached to the flow meter when delivering oxygen at higher flow rates (such as 6 L/min) to prevent dryness and irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
C. The nasal cannula should generally be kept on during meals to ensure continued oxygen therapy, unless it is uncomfortable or the client has other medical needs.
D. The oxygen tubing should be secured to the client’s body or clothing in a way that does not restrict movement or cause injury, but securing it to the bed sheet could lead to a potential tripping hazard or interfere with mobility.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Soap-suds enemas are not recommended for clients with ulcerative colitis because they can irritate the colon and worsen symptoms. Enemas should be used cautiously, if at all, and only when medically indicated.
B. Soaking in a sitz bath can help soothe perianal discomfort, but it is not the most effective intervention for protecting the skin from diarrhea-related irritation. Barrier creams are a more direct way to protect the skin from further damage.
C. Wiping the perianal area with warm water and applying a barrier cream is an appropriate and effective intervention to protect the skin. The warm water is gentle, and the barrier cream provides a protective layer that helps prevent skin breakdown from frequent contact with stool.
D. Cleansing with an antimicrobial scrub and vigorously drying the perianal area could cause further irritation and damage to already sensitive skin. The focus should be on gentle cleansing and protecting the skin with a barrier cream.
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