The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected infection. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

a. Give antibiotics as soon as possible to prevent sepsis.
b. Obtain all required cultures, then admi-nister the antibiotic.
c. Wait for culture results to give the most appropriate antibiotic.
d. Defer cultures unless the client shows signs of drug resistance.


B
The best diagnostic test for infection is a culture and sensitivity. The nurse should first collect any ordered cultures. Then the nurse should administer the ordered antibiotic. Because final cul-ture results take 72 hours, empiric antibiotic therapy should be started before the results are back.

Nursing

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