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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Jaundice is typically related to liver dysfunction and would not be a primary symptom of a hiatal hernia.
B. Anorexia is not a primary symptom of a sliding hiatal hernia, although some patients may experience reduced appetite due to discomfort.
C. Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) is not typically associated with a hiatal hernia.
D. Pyrosis, or heartburn, is a primary symptom of a sliding hiatal hernia, which occurs when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus due to the hernia. This can lead to the sensation of heartburn or acid reflux.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hypermagnesemia is not typically associated with refeeding syndrome. In fact, hypomagnesemia is more common due to the rapid shift of electrolytes and the body's increased demand during refeeding.
B. Hyponatremia is not a hallmark of refeeding syndrome. This condition more commonly leads to electrolyte imbalances like hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia rather than low sodium levels.
C. Hypophosphatemia is a hallmark finding in refeeding syndrome. As the body shifts from catabolic to anabolic states during refeeding, phosphorus is rapidly used in cellular processes, and its levels drop, which can lead to muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and other complications.
D. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with refeeding syndrome. The condition is more likely to cause hypokalemia due to the shift of potassium into cells during the anabolic process after refeeding.
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