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 A
Explanation
A. Palpate the client's suprapubic area for distention: Palpating for bladder distention helps determine if urinary retention is present, which is common in older men with possible benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Assessing retention is a priority because unresolved urinary obstruction can lead to hydronephrosis or kidney damage.
B. Instruct in effective techniques to cleanse the glans penis: Proper hygiene is important for preventing infection, especially in uncircumcised males, but it does not address the client’s primary problem of urinary retention and obstructive symptoms.
C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity: While urinary tract infections can occur in clients with urinary retention, the presenting symptoms here are more indicative of obstruction due to prostate enlargement. A culture may be ordered later, but not the first step.
D. Advise the client to maintain a voiding diary for one week: A voiding diary provides helpful long-term information about urinary patterns, but it does not address the acute issue of a bladder that may be distended and retaining urine.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Advise the UAP to stop providing care so the nurse can assess the client's condition: The client shows signs of acute deterioration, which may indicate a life-threatening event. Immediate assessment takes priority over continuing routine tasks or delegating care.
B. Determine why the UAP did not notify the nurse of the change in the client's condition: Investigating the UAP’s actions is important for accountability and education but is secondary to addressing the client’s urgent medical needs.
C. Ask the UAP to position the client so the oral medications can be administered: Administering medications is not the priority when the client is unstable. Ensuring patient safety and assessing the acute condition comes first.
D. Explain to the UAP that changes in a client's condition should be reported immediately: Educating the UAP is necessary to prevent future incidents but does not address the immediate need to evaluate and stabilize the deteriorating client.
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