The nurse is caring for a patient on a medical-surgical unit who has been experiencing fever of unknown origin. The prescriber has ordered a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Which intervention is the priority?
a. Administer the antibiotic immediately.
b. Administer antipyretics as soon as possible.
c. Obtain all cultures before the antibiotic is administered.
d. Delay administration of the antibiotic until the culture results are available.
ANS: C
It is essential that samples of exudates and body fluids (in this case, blood cultures) be obtained for culture prior to initiation of treatment.
Administration of the antibiotic is important, but not more important than obtaining specimens for culture.
Antipyretics may be indicated, but the priority is obtaining specimens for culture.
Treatment may be initiated before the test results are available.
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