A client has a peritonsillar abscess. Which priority instruction does the nurse provide to this client?
a. "If you notice an enlarged node on the side of your neck where the abscess is, call your health care provider."
b. "Stay home from work or school until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours."
c. "You may gargle with warm water that has a teaspoon of salt in it as often as you like."
d. "Take the antibiotic for the entire time it is prescribed, not just until you feel better."
D
Untreated or ineffectively treated peritonsillar abscesses can extend throughout the pharyngeal area, causing swelling that may jeopardize the client's airway. Therefore, the client should take his antibiotic for the entire time prescribed to maximize the therapeutic effect. Gargling with warm water and refraining from normal activities may provide symptomatic relief for the client but would not be considered priority instructions. Also, swelling, pain, and inflammation could be noted by the client on the same side of the neck as the abscess.
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