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?
a. Administering the antibiotic immediately
b. Administering antipyretics as soon as possible
c. Delaying administration of the antibiotic until the culture results are available
d. Obtaining all cultures before the antibiotic is administered
ANS: D
It is essential that samples of exudates and body fluids (in this case, blood cultures) be obtained for culture before 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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A patient who has survived a motor vehicle accident has just learned that the passenger in the car has died. The survivor is unable to recall being in the car. The nurse on duty realizes that this is:
A) Dissociation
B) Denial
C) Regression
D) Transference
Electrical current passes through the body. This is:
a. A disaster b. A ground c. Suffocation d. Electrical shock
A client is undergoing ECT. The nurse would be correct to inform the client of which aspect prior to the ECT?
A) The procedure is done with a full bladder. B) NPO will be employed 8 hours prior to the procedure. C) There will be mild to moderate pain. D) The client will be awake during the procedure.
Which of the following medications might be given to a client with Alzheimer's disease to delay the rate of cognitive decline?
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