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. Most type-1 reactions are allergic: This statement is accurate. Type-1 hypersensitivity reactions are typically associated with allergies. When a person is exposed to a specific allergen (like pollen or certain foods), their immune system overreacts, leading to various symptoms, from mild to severe.
B. It is mediated by IgA: This statement is incorrect. Type-1 hypersensitivity reactions are primarily mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When these antibodies bind to allergens, they trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic symptoms.
C. It never contributes to autoimmune diseases: This statement is incorrect. While type-1 hypersensitivity reactions are often associated with allergies, they are distinct from autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues, which is a different mechanism from hypersensitivity reactions.
D. Most occur against medications: This statement is not entirely accurate. While some type-1 hypersensitivity reactions can be triggered by medications (like penicillin), they can also be caused by various other allergens such as pollen, animal dander, insect venom, and certain foods. The prevalence of medication-induced type-1 reactions varies, and it's not accurate to say that most occur against medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Macrophage: This is the correct answer. An activated monocyte is also known as a macrophage. Monocytes are white blood cells that can mature into macrophages when they move into tissues. Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune system by phagocytosing (engulfing and digesting) pathogens and cellular debris.
B. Lymphocyte: Lymphocytes are another type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune system. They include B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes are primarily involved in adaptive immune responses, such as antibody production (B cells) and cell-mediated immune responses (T cells).
C. Plasma Cell: Plasma cells are a type of B cell that produces antibodies (immunoglobulins). They are involved in the adaptive immune response, specifically in the production of antibodies that target specific pathogens.
D. Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte: This term typically refers to a group of white blood cells that have a multi-lobed nucleus. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are examples of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. They are involved in innate immune responses, including the phagocytosis of pathogens.
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