The client receives multiple antibiotics to treat a serious infection. What will the priority assessment of the client by the nurse include?

Question

1. Assessing blood cultures for the presence of bacteria
2. Assessing changes in stool, white patches in the mouth, and urogenital itching or rash
3. Assessing renal and liver function tests
4. Assessing whether or not the client has adequate food and fluid intake

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Assessing blood cultures is important, but not as important as assessing for superinfections.
Rationale 2: A superinfection occurs when microorganisms normally present in the body, host flora, are destroyed by antibiotic therapy. A superinfection can be lethal and should be suspected if a new infection appears while the client is receiving antibiotics. Signs of superinfection commonly include diarrhea, white patches in the mouth, urogenital itching, and presence of a blistering itchy rash.
Rationale 3: Assessing renal and liver function tests is very important, but not as important as assessing for superinfections.
Rationale 4: Assessing food and fluid intake is very important, but not as important as assessing for superinfections.