A patient who has had a splenectomy complains of malaise. The nurse checks the patient's temperature and finds it is 102°F (39°C). Which of the following actions by the nurse should take priority?
a. Administer acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve discomfort.
b. Encourage fluids to reduce fever and prevent dehydration.
c. Explain to the patient that low-grade fevers are common after splenectomy because the spleen is part of the immune system.
d. Notify the physician.
ANS: D
D. Fever in the postsplenectomy period signals overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. This can be deadly if not recognized and treated quickly, so notifying the physician is essential. A and B can be done after the physician has been contacted. C. 102°F is not low-grade fever.
You might also like to view...
As a nurse manager in a for-profit hospital, you are interested in promoting teaching programs for physicians, because evidence suggests that hospitals with teaching programs tend to promote better care for patients
Your administration indicates that it cannot support your ideas or pro-posal because of (select all that apply): a. Increased salary costs. b. Duplication of tests and procedures. c. Graduate medical education. d. Potential damage to reputation through learner error.
Who is a leader?
A) Someone who is always trustworthy B) An individual who may be flawed C) Someone who always have good intentions D) One who is incompetent and will not be followed
__________ consists of assessment and review of the quality and suitability of care given and the client's responses to that care
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
What interventions does the nurse recommend for a client who is to be discharged home following total hip replacement surgery? (Select all that apply.)
a. Continuous passive motion machine b. Elevated toilet seat c. Walker d. Crutches e. TED hose f. Heating pad