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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Antibiotics are prescribed according to culture and sensitivity reports:
When antibiotics are prescribed based on specific tests like cultures and sensitivity reports, it ensures that the right antibiotic is chosen for the specific bacteria causing the infection. This practice helps in targeting the infection more effectively, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
B. Patients stop taking an antibiotic after they feel better:
This scenario is problematic. When patients start feeling better, they might assume the infection is completely gone and stop taking antibiotics before the prescribed course is finished. This premature discontinuation can leave some bacteria alive, which may develop resistance to the antibiotic used. This practice is a significant contributor to antibiotic resistance.
C. Antibiotics are taken with ascorbic acid (vitamin C):
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) doesn't have a significant impact on antibiotic resistance. It is not a factor contributing to antibiotic resistance.
D. Antibiotics are taken with water or juice:
Whether antibiotics are taken with water or juice doesn’t directly influence antibiotic resistance. Proper hydration is essential to support the body's overall health, but it doesn't impact the development of antibiotic resistance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Gentamicin: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic effective against many bacteria, but it's not the first choice for MRSA. Vancomycin or other alternatives are preferred due to the rising resistance of MRSA to gentamicin.
B. Nafcillin: Nafcillin is a penicillin antibiotic, often used for penicillin-sensitive staphylococcal infections. However, it is not effective against MRSA, which is resistant to many penicillin-based antibiotics.
C. Vancomycin: Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including MRSA. It works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, making it effective against Gram-positive bacteria that have developed resistance to other antibiotics like methicillin (which MRSA has).
D. Penicillin: Penicillin is a group of antibiotics that includes drugs like amoxicillin and ampicillin. MRSA is resistant to penicillin-based antibiotics, so they are not effective against MRSA infections.
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