The nurse is caring for a patient on a medical-surgical unit who has a fever of unknown origin. The prescriber has ordered a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Which intervention is the priority?
Obtaining all cultures before the antibiotic is administered
Delaying administration of the antibiotic until the culture results are available
Administering antipyretics as soon as possible
Administering the antibiotic immediately
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining all cultures before the antibiotic is administered: While obtaining cultures is important for identifying the specific pathogen causing the infection and guiding targeted antibiotic therapy, waiting for culture results can take time. During this time, the infection can progress. Therefore, it's generally recommended to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics first and then adjust the treatment based on culture results.
B. Delaying administration of the antibiotic until the culture results are available: Delaying antibiotics until culture results are available can be risky, as it allows the infection to progress, potentially leading to sepsis or other severe complications.
C. Administering antipyretics as soon as possible: Administering antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and make the patient more comfortable. However, the primary intervention for a suspected infection is antibiotic therapy, as it targets the underlying cause of the fever.
D. Administering the antibiotic immediately: When dealing with a patient with a fever of unknown origin and a suspected infection, the priority is to start appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly. Delaying antibiotic administration can allow the infection to worsen, leading to serious complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discoloration of teeth: Tetracycline antibiotics can bind with calcium ions in teeth, leading to the development of yellow-gray-brown stains. This effect is particularly significant in developing teeth in children below the age of 8 and can result in permanent discoloration.
B. Anabolic change: This term doesn't specifically relate to the side effects of tetracycline. "Anabolic" generally refers to processes in the body that build up complex molecules from simpler ones. There's no direct connection between tetracycline and anabolic changes.
C. Cartilage damage: Tetracyclines, especially in high doses or with prolonged use, have been associated with potential adverse effects on cartilage. This is more relevant in individuals whose bones and cartilage are still growing, such as children. It can interfere with skeletal development.
D. Suppression of growth: Long-term use of tetracycline in children can interfere with bone growth and development. It can suppress the growth of bones and affect overall height. This is a significant concern when considering the use of tetracycline in pediatric patients.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bactericidal and bacteriostatic are used interchangeably.
This statement is incorrect. Bactericidal and bacteriostatic have distinct meanings in pharmacology and microbiology. Bactericidal means the drug kills bacteria, whereas bacteriostatic means the drug inhibits the growth of bacteria without killing them.
B. Bactericidal drugs are directly lethal to bacteria, and bacteriostatic drugs work to slow bacterial growth but do not cause cell death.
This statement is correct. Bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria, leading to their death. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit the growth of bacteria without causing their immediate death. Both types of drugs play different roles in the treatment of bacterial infections.
C. Bacteriostatic drugs are directly lethal to bacteria, and bactericidal drugs work to slow bacterial growth but do not cause cell death.
This statement is incorrect. It confuses the roles of bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs. Bactericidal drugs directly kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth without immediate cell death.
D. A bactericidal drug can cause death to the host, whereas a bacteriostatic drug only affects bacteria.
This statement is incorrect. Both bactericidal and bacteriostatic drugs primarily affect bacteria, not the host. The difference lies in how they affect bacteria: bactericidal drugs kill bacteria directly, and bacteriostatic drugs inhibit their growth.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.