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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are all well-established risk factors for heart disease. Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, leading to a buildup of fatty material which narrows the artery. Hypertension can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Obesity increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease significantly, as high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. Hyperlipidemia, particularly high levels of LDL cholesterol, can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Choice B Reason:
Family history is a non-modifiable risk factor for heart disease, as genetics can play a role in an individual's likelihood of developing heart conditions. Stress can contribute to heart disease risk factors such as hypertension and is associated with other unhealthy behaviors. Hypertension and age are both significant risk factors; the risk of heart disease increases with age and with sustained high blood pressure.
Choice C Reason:
Alcohol consumption in excess can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke. Obesity, diabetes, and stress are all risk factors as previously mentioned. Hyperlipidemia is also a modifiable risk factor that can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication.
Choice D Reason:
Personality type itself is not a direct risk factor for heart disease, but certain personality traits can lead to stress, which is a risk factor. Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking are all direct risk factors for heart disease as they contribute to the development of cardiovascular conditions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While polyhydramnios can be associated with congenital anomalies or fetal distress, it is not a direct indication of these conditions. Polyhydramnios refers specifically to the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid. Congenital anomalies may lead to polyhydramnios if they affect the fetus's ability to swallow and process amniotic fluid normally, but the presence of polyhydramnios alone does not confirm these conditions.
Choice B reason:
Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid can be indicative of neural tube defects or other fetal abnormalities, but they are not a defining characteristic of polyhydramnios. Normal AFP levels in amniotic fluid at 15 to 21 weeks' gestation range from 10 to 150 ng/ml. Polyhydramnios is diagnosed based on the volume of amniotic fluid, not the AFP levels.
Choice C reason:
Carrying more than one fetus can lead to an increased amount of amniotic fluid, potentially resulting in polyhydramnios. However, the diagnosis of polyhydramnios itself does not imply a multiple gestation pregnancy. It simply indicates that there is more amniotic fluid than usual.
Choice D reason:
Polyhydramnios is defined as an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. It is typically diagnosed when the amniotic fluid index (AFI) exceeds 24 cm or the single deepest pocket (SDP) measures more than 8 cm. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including fetal anomalies, maternal diabetes, and other medical conditions.
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