The nurse is providing care for the following patients. Which patient is at highest risk of developing an infection?
46-year-old with a low neutrophil count
59-year-old seven days post abdominal surgery
82-year-old with a history of leukemia ten years ago
62-year-old on antibiotic therapy
The Correct Answer is A
A. 46-year-old with a low neutrophil count: Neutrophils are essential for fighting infection. A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) significantly increases infection risk, making this the highest-priority patient.
B. 59-year-old seven days post abdominal surgery: While postoperative patients are at risk for infection, the greatest risk is within the first few days after surgery. By day seven, the risk decreases if no signs of infection are present.
C. 82-year-old with a history of leukemia ten years ago: While leukemia can affect the immune system, a history of leukemia from ten years ago is less concerning than an active condition causing immunosuppression.
D. 62-year-old on antibiotic therapy: While antibiotics can disrupt normal flora and increase the risk of infections like Clostridioides difficile, this risk is lower than that of a patient with neutropenia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Provide the client with a bedpan to reduce ambulating to the restroom: While limiting unnecessary movement can help prevent falls, using a bedpan is not the best intervention unless the patient is completely immobile.
B. Administer pain medications sparingly in order to minimize any cognitive side effects: Undertreating pain can lead to restlessness and unsteady movement, which may increase fall risk rather than prevent it.
C. Place the client in a shared room with a client who is stable and oriented: Roommate selection does not directly reduce fall risk. A shared room does not guarantee supervision or fall prevention.
D. Orient the client to the room and environment upon admission: Older adults may be disoriented in a new environment, increasing fall risk. Orienting them to the room (call light, bathroom location, bed height) helps them move safely.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Patient with complaints of urinary incontinence." The patient did not report involuntary leakage of urine, which defines incontinence.
B. "Patient reports urinary retention." Urinary retention refers to the inability to completely empty the bladder, which matches the patient's description.
C. "Patient reports urinary frequency." Urinary frequency means voiding frequently (e.g., every 1-2 hours), but the patient described difficulty emptying.
D. "Patient has an enlarged prostate." While an enlarged prostate (BPH) could cause retention, the nurse should not diagnose—only report symptoms.
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