The practical nurse (PN) learns that a client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis.

Which information should the PN obtain from the client during a focused assessment?

Choice A rationale:

The educational materials should contain a list with definitions of unfamiliar terms because older clients may not be familiar with medical terminology. Providing definitions can enhance their understanding of the new antihypertensive medications and promote medication adherence.

Choice B rationale:

Writing materials at a twelfth-grade reading level may not be appropriate for older clients. Many older individuals may have lower literacy levels, and using complex language can lead to confusion and hinder comprehension. Simple and clear language is more effective in educating this population.

Choice C rationale:

Using common words with few syllables is important for ensuring that older clients can easily understand the educational materials. Complex language and lengthy words can make it difficult for them to grasp important information about their antihypertensive medications.

Choice D rationale:

Using pictures to help illustrate complex ideas is essential when educating older clients. Visual aids can enhance comprehension and retention of information, especially for individuals who may have cognitive impairments or difficulty with written text.

Choice E rationale:

Printing materials using a 12-point type font is important for ensuring that the text is easy to read for older clients. Smaller fonts can be challenging for individuals with visual impairments, and readability is crucial for effective education.

Choice A rationale:

Ibuprofen 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for temperature greater than 100.5 °F (38 °C). This order is questionable because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can potentially increase blood pressure, which could be harmful to a patient with hypertension. Furthermore, NSAIDs can mask the symptoms of infection, which could delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious infections.

Choice B rationale:

Enalapril 10 mg every morning. This order is questionable because enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension. However, ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough, which could exacerbate the patient’s existing cough due to pneumonia. Additionally, ACE inhibitors can potentially cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), so it’s important to monitor the patient’s electrolyte levels.

Choice C rationale:

Supplemental oxygen 10 L/min via nasal cannula. This order is questionable because a high flow rate of oxygen can potentially cause oxygen toxicity or hyperoxia, which can lead to cellular damage. The typical flow rate for a nasal cannula is between 1-6 L/min. A flow rate of 10 L/min may be too high for this patient, especially without a specified target SpO2 range.

Choice D rationale:

Continuous pulse oximetry. This order is appropriate because it allows for continuous monitoring of the patient’s oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial in a patient with pneumonia and shortness of breath.

Choice E rationale:

Send blood for a complete blood count, electrolytes, blood cultures, and procalcitonin. This order is appropriate because these tests can help monitor the patient’s overall health status and response to treatment.

Choice F rationale:

Admit to the medical floor. This order is appropriate because the patient requires hospitalization for treatment and monitoring due to his pneumonia.

Choice G rationale:

Vital signs every 4 hours. This order is appropriate because it allows for regular monitoring of the patient’s vital signs, which can help detect any changes in his condition.

Choice H rationale:

Chest x-ray now. This order is appropriate because a chest x-ray can help confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia and assess its severity.

Choice I rationale:

Sputum culture and sensitivity. This order is appropriate because it can help identify the specific organism causing the pneumonia and determine its antibiotic sensitivity, which can guide antibiotic therapy.

Choice J rationale:

Levofloxacin 500 mg intravenously every 24 hours. This order is appropriate because levofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat pneumonia.