Exhibits

The nurse is reviewing the physician orders. Which of the following physician’s orders requires priority attention from the nurse? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because reviewing the need for pneumococcal vaccine is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for people who are at high risk of pneumococcal infections, such as those with chronic diseases or immunosuppression. However, it is not a priority action for a client with neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils that increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because implementing bleeding precautions is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Bleeding precautions are indicated for clients who have thrombocytopenia, which is a low number of platelets that impairs blood clotting. However, this is not the case for a client with neutropenia, which affects the white blood cells that fight infections.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because assessing vital signs every 4 hours is not the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Vital signs are important indicators of the client's health status and may reveal signs of infection, such as fever, tachycardia, or hypotension. However, this is not a sufficient measure to prevent or treat infections in a client with neutropenia, who needs more aggressive and proactive interventions.

Choice D reason: This is correct because placing the client in protective isolation is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Protective isolation, also known as reverse isolation or neutropenic precautions, is a set of measures that aim to protect the client from exposure to pathogens that may cause infections. These include wearing gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection; using sterile equipment and techniques; avoiding contact with people who are sick or have infections; and restricting visitors and fresh flowers or fruits.

Choice A reason: Returning for periodic liver function studies is an important instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who is taking colchicine and indomethacin. These medications can cause liver toxicity, which can manifest as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. The nurse should advise the client to monitor for these signs and symptoms, and to have regular blood tests to check the liver enzymes and function.

Choice B reason: Massaging joints to relax muscles and decrease pain is not a recommended instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who has acute inflammation of the right ankle and great toe. Massage can increase the blood flow and pressure to the affected joints, which can worsen the pain and swelling. The nurse should advise the client to avoid touching or moving the inflamed joints, and to apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce the inflammation.

Choice C reason: Limiting use of mobility equipment to avoid muscle atrophy is not a necessary instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who has acute inflammation of the right ankle and great toe. Mobility equipment such as crutches, walkers, or canes can help the client to ambulate safely and comfortably, and to prevent further injury or damage to the affected joints. The nurse should encourage the client to use mobility equipment as needed, and to perform gentle range of motion exercises when the inflammation subsides.

Choice D reason: Substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks is not a helpful instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who is taking colchicine and indomethacin. Fruit juices can contain high amounts of fructose, which can increase the uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks. Carbonated drinks are not a major risk factor for gout, unless they contain high-fructose corn syrup or alcohol. The nurse should advise the client to drink plenty of water, and to avoid foods and beverages that are high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, beer, and wine.