An adult client is admitted to the critical care unit with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) as a result of a postburn infection. The client has a long line peripherally inserted IV catheter for fluid and medication administration and current vital signs include temperature 102.8°F (39.3°C., heart rate 108 beats/minute, respirations 32 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Provide bedside equipment for transmission and protective precautions.
Evaluate daily serum electrolytes and hydration status.
Culture sputum, urine, burn wound, and all intravenous access sites.
Implement central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) protocols.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Providing bedside equipment for transmission and protective precautions is not the first action that the nurse should implement, as this is a standard precaution that should be already in place for all clients in the critical care unit. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Evaluating daily serum electrolytes and hydration status is not the first action that the nurse should implement, as this is a routine assessment that can be done later after addressing the immediate problem of infection. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Culturing sputum, urine, burn wound, and all intravenous access sites is the first action that the nurse should implement, as this can help identify the source and type of infection, which can guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy and prevent further complications. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Implementing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) protocols is not the first action that the nurse should implement, as this is a preventive measure that may not be applicable for this client who already has SIRS. This is another distractor choice.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Emotional conflict due to stress is not a specific problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Emotional conflict is a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone, such as family, work, or self. Stress is a response to any physical, psychological, or environmental demand that exceeds one's coping resources. The nurse should assess the client's sources of stress and conflict and help him manage them.
Choice C reason: Deficient knowledge of MI lifestyle changes is not a primary problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Deficient knowledge is a state of lacking information or understanding about something, such as disease process, treatment options, or self-care measures. Lifestyle changes are modifications in one's habits or behaviors that promote health and well-being, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, or stress management. The nurse should assess the client's learning needs and readiness and provide appropriate education.
Choice D reason: Anxiety related to treatment plan is not an evident problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, worry, or fear that interferes with one's normal functioning or well-being. Treatment plan is a set of goals, interventions, and outcomes that guide the care of a client with a specific health problem, such as MI. The nurse should assess the client's level of anxiety and provide information and reassurance about his treatment plan.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Which medication works best for you? This is not the most important question, as it does not address the current status or risk of the client. The medication history is a part of the assessment, but it does not help identify the content or impact of the hallucinations.
Choice B: When do you hear voices? This is not the most important question, as it does not address the current status or risk of the client. The frequency and timing of the hallucinations are a part of the assessment, but they do not help identify the content or impact of the hallucinations.
Choice C: How do you cope with the voices? This is not the most important question, as it does not address the current status or risk of the client. The coping strategies are a part of the assessment, but they do not help identify the content or impact of the hallucinations.
Choice D: What are the voices saying? This is the most important question, as it addresses the current status and risk of the client. The content and impact of the hallucinations are a part of the assessment, as they can help identify if the client is experiencing command hallucinations, which may instruct them to harm themselves or others.
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