A blood culture is ordered for a client with pneumonia to discover the presence of bacteria in the blood and to choose an antibiotic. Which of the following is a key nursing intervention when this test is ordered?
A) Notify the laboratory when the client's temperature elevates.
B) Start antibiotic therapy before obtaining a blood culture.
C) Notify the physician if the client's condition worsens.
D) Ensure that the client lies still when the test is being performed.
A
Feedback:
A blood culture is done to discover the presence of bacteria in the blood or to determine the antibiotics that are most effective against a specific organism. The culture should be obtained before any antibiotic therapy is started, to avoid interference with culture and sensitivity test results. Hospital policy may indicate that routine blood cultures be taken at certain times of the day, or when a temperature spikes. A major nursing responsibility is to notify the laboratory when a client's temperature elevates so that the healthcare provider's order is followed promptly.
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