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 ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Planning for periods of rest during activities and monitoring the client's oxygen saturation are essential interventions for a client with pneumonia. Rest helps conserve energy and reduces the workload on the respiratory system, while monitoring oxygen saturation ensures that the client is maintaining adequate oxygen levels, which is crucial in pneumonia.
B. Placing the client on strict fluid restriction is not appropriate for pneumonia. In fact, adequate hydration is important to help thin respiratory secretions and facilitate expectoration.
C. Placing the client on oxygen is often necessary for clients with pneumonia, especially if they are hypoxic or have difficulty maintaining adequate oxygen levels. Supplemental oxygen supports the respiratory system and improves oxygenation.
D. Restricting the client's smoking to 5 cigarettes per day is not an appropriate intervention. Smoking should be completely stopped to help reduce the risk of further respiratory complications. Smoking cessation is a priority in managing respiratory conditions like pneumonia
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is important for promoting the clearance of respiratory secretions. However, while it aids in mobilizing secretions, it does not directly thin the mucus.
B. Frequent ambulation helps to improve overall lung function and prevent complications like pneumonia, but it does not specifically thin respiratory secretions.
C. Increasing fluid intake helps thin the respiratory secretions by providing hydration, making it easier for the body to expel mucus through coughing. Hydration is critical for reducing the viscosity of sputum, thus promoting its removal.
D. Regular use of the incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion but does not directly affect the thinning of respiratory secretions.
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