How would the nurse best evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy for a client diagnosed with pneumonia being treated with amoxicillin?
Oral temperature of 100.6°F.
Pulse oximetry of 98% on room air.
Increased neutrophil count.
Adequate urine output.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason
An oral temperature of 100.6°F may indicate that the client still has a fever, which could suggest ongoing infection. However, temperature alone is not the most reliable indicator of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, as it can be influenced by various factors.
Choice B Reason
Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which is a direct indicator of respiratory function. For a client with pneumonia, an improvement in oxygen saturation to 98% on room air is a strong sign that the lungs are effectively exchanging gases and that the pneumonia is resolving. This would be a clear indication that the amoxicillin is effective.
Choice C Reason
An increased neutrophil count is a sign of acute infection, but it does not directly measure the effectiveness of the antibiotic therapy. Neutrophil counts can remain elevated even as the infection is resolving, so they are not the best sole indicator of therapeutic effectiveness.
Choice D Reason
Adequate urine output is important for overall health and indicates good kidney function, but it is not a direct measure of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy for pneumonia. Urine output does not reflect the respiratory status or the resolution of lung infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Gas pains, while uncomfortable, are not typically a serious adverse effect of simvastatin and do not usually require immediate medical attention unless they are severe or persistent.
Choice B Reason:
Headaches are a common side effect of many medications, including simvastatin, and are not generally considered an emergency. However, if the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice C Reason:
Occasional constipation is another common side effect and is not usually a cause for immediate concern unless it becomes severe or chronic.
Choice D Reason:
Muscle weakness and pain, especially in the calves, can be a sign of a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare but serious adverse effect of statins like simvastatin. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney damage. It should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering an antiemetic is an important intervention in the PACU, especially if the patient is experiencing nausea or has a history of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, it is not the first priority. Antiemetics work by blocking the neurotransmitters that trigger the vomiting reflex. Medications such as ondansetron or promethazine may be used.
Choice B reason:
Applying sequential compression devices is a preventive measure against deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a risk due to immobility after surgery. These devices help improve venous return from the lower limbs by applying intermittent pressure. While important, this intervention follows after the assessment of vital signs.
Choice C reason:
Assessing vital signs is the first and foremost priority when a patient is transferred to the PACU. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, provide immediate information about the patient's hemodynamic status and can indicate the need for urgent interventions. Any evidence of respiratory or circulatory compromise requires immediate attention.
Choice D reason:
Hanging the Lactated Ringers solution is part of managing the patient's fluid status postoperatively. Lactated Ringers is an isotonic solution that helps to replace lost fluids and maintain electrolyte balance. While important for patient care, it is not the initial priority upon arrival in the PACU.
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