Patient Data
The client is seen for a 1 week follow up appointment. The nurse is evaluating the response to the treatment for cellulitis. Select the 3 findings consistent with a therapeutic response to interventions.
Temperature 98.8° F (37.1° C)
Pain 2 on a 0 to 10 scale, bilateral lower legs described as neuropathic
Serum blood glucose 185 mg/dL (10.2 mmol/L)
White blood cell count 11.2 x 103/µL (11.2 x 109/L)
Capillary refill greater than 3 seconds bilateral lower extremities
Bilateral lower extremities skin warm, dry, and pink
Correct Answer : A,D,F
Rationale:
A. Temperature 98.8° F (37.1° C): A normal body temperature indicates resolution of the infection and a positive response to antibiotic therapy for cellulitis. Fever reduction is a key indicator of therapeutic effectiveness.
B. Pain 2 on a 0 to 10 scale, bilateral lower legs described as neuropathic: While pain is low, the description of neuropathic pain unrelated to cellulitis does not reflect improvement in the infection itself, so it is not a primary indicator of therapeutic response.
C. Serum blood glucose 185 mg/dL (10.2 mmol/L): Although improved from the initial hyperglycemia, this level is still above the normal range. It does not directly indicate resolution of cellulitis or therapeutic effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
D. White blood cell count 11.2 x 103/µL (11.2 x 10⁹/L): The decrease toward normal limits from an elevated WBC demonstrates a positive hematologic response to treatment and reduced systemic inflammation caused by the infection.
E. Capillary refill greater than 3 seconds bilateral lower extremities: Prolonged capillary refill indicates peripheral perfusion deficits. Persistent abnormal refill is not a sign of therapeutic response and may reflect ongoing vascular compromise.
F. Bilateral lower extremities skin warm, dry, and pink: Improvement in skin color, warmth, and absence of edema or erythema reflects resolution of cellulitis and effective local tissue recovery, consistent with therapeutic response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intubation tray: An intubation tray is necessary if the client experiences airway compromise or respiratory failure, but it does not directly address complications from an ineffective thoracentesis, such as persistent pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
B. Chest tube insertion tray: If the thoracentesis is ineffective and the pleural space continues to fill or air accumulates, a chest tube may be required to drain fluid or air and re-expand the lung. Having a chest tube tray ready ensures rapid intervention for these potential complications.
C. Crash cart: A crash cart is essential for emergencies involving cardiac or respiratory arrest, but it is not the first-line equipment for an ineffective thoracentesis unless the client acutely decompensates.
D. Ventilator: Mechanical ventilation may be required for severe respiratory failure, but it is not an immediate bedside intervention for an unsuccessful thoracentesis. The priority is to remove fluid or air from the pleural space.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Absent sounds: Absent bowel sounds are abnormal and may indicate an ileus, obstruction, or decreased intestinal motility, requiring further assessment.
B. Pain: Pain elicited during percussion is not a normal finding and may indicate underlying pathology such as inflammation, infection, or organ enlargement.
C. Musical and drumlike: Tympany, which produces a musical, drumlike sound during percussion, is a normal finding over air-filled structures in the abdomen. It indicates the presence of gas in the stomach and intestines, reflecting normal gastrointestinal function.
D. Tenderness: Tenderness on percussion is abnormal and may suggest inflammation, infection, or other abdominal pathology requiring further evaluation.
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