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. "Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis."
Tetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosomes, which are crucial for making proteins. This disruption in protein synthesis prevents bacterial growth and replication.
B. "Tetracycline blocks RNA synthesis."
Tetracycline primarily affects protein synthesis, not RNA synthesis. It binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and disrupts the translation process.
C. "Tetracycline degrades the bacterial cell wall."
Tetracycline does not target the bacterial cell wall. Drugs like penicillin and cephalosporins work by disrupting cell wall synthesis, but tetracycline operates differently by inhibiting protein synthesis.
D. "Tetracycline binds to magnesium ions."
Tetracycline does not specifically bind to magnesium ions. Its primary mode of action involves binding to the bacterial ribosome, as mentioned in the first correct statement.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT): GALT is a component of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and refers to the immune cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. These cells play a significant role in local immune responses in the gut.
B. Bone marrow: The bone marrow is the primary site of blood cell production in the body. It contains stem cells that can differentiate into various blood cells, including B cells. B cells mature in the bone marrow.
C. Thymus: The thymus is an organ located near the heart and is crucial for the development of T cells. T cells mature in the thymus, where they learn to recognize self from non-self antigens.
D. Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that help fight infection. While they are essential parts of the immune system, B and T cells are not originally derived from lymph nodes.
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