Which lab result is most indicative of infection in a client with a fever?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased white blood cell count. When a client has an infection, the body's immune response triggers an increase in white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Neutrophils and band cells (choice B) may also increase during infection, but a general increase in white blood cells is a more reliable indicator. ESR (choice C) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and may be elevated in various conditions, not just infection. LDH (choice D) is an enzyme found in many tissues and can be elevated in various conditions, not specifically infection. Therefore, an increased white blood cell count is the most indicative of infection in a client with a fever.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum typically caused by infection. Administering antibiotics is crucial to treat the underlying infection. IV fluids (B) may be necessary to maintain hydration, but antibiotics address the root cause. Placing the client in a supine position (C) is not a specific intervention for peritonitis. Administering epinephrine (D) is not indicated for peritonitis as it is not a treatment for infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because monitoring vital signs and fluid status is crucial in managing chronic heart failure. This intervention helps in assessing the patient's condition, detecting any signs of deterioration, and ensuring appropriate fluid balance. Administering diuretics (A) may be necessary but should be based on the patient's fluid status. Encouraging rest (B) is important, but monitoring vital signs takes precedence. Teaching about dietary changes (D) is essential, but ensuring the patient's immediate stability through monitoring is the priority.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidney function tests. In diabetic nephropathy, the kidneys are affected, leading to impaired kidney function. Monitoring kidney function tests such as serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate is crucial to assess the progression of the disease and guide treatment. Blood pressure measurement (B) is important in managing diabetic nephropathy but does not directly assess kidney function. Blood glucose levels (C) are essential in managing diabetes overall but do not specifically address nephropathy. Urine output monitoring (D) is important for assessing kidney function but does not provide as comprehensive information as kidney function tests.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Turn the client every two hours. This action helps prevent pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on specific areas of the body. Turning the client redistributes pressure, promotes circulation, and reduces the risk of tissue damage. It is a crucial part of pressure ulcer prevention in immobile or bedridden patients. Increasing protein intake (B) may aid in wound healing but does not directly prevent pressure ulcers. Encouraging rest (C) may not address the root cause of pressure ulcers. Applying dressings to wounds (D) is a treatment for existing ulcers, not prevention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. This is the most appropriate intervention for a wound infection as antibiotics target the underlying bacterial infection causing the wound infection. Antibiotics help to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading further. Administering antibiotics is crucial in treating wound infections to promote healing and prevent complications. Choice B (Apply sterile dressing) is incorrect as simply applying a sterile dressing does not address the underlying infection. Choice C (Cleanse and dress the wound) is also incorrect because while wound cleansing is important, it alone may not be sufficient to treat a wound infection. Choice D (Administer analgesics) is incorrect because analgesics only provide pain relief and do not address the infection itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping medication once blood pressure is normal can lead to a rebound increase in blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke. A patient with a history of stroke needs to continue taking medications as prescribed to maintain optimal blood pressure control. Statements A, B, and D are all indicative of good stroke prevention strategies, such as managing blood pressure, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the patient to rate pain intensity using a scale (like 0-10) provides a standardized measure of pain perception. This quantitative data helps healthcare providers assess pain severity accurately and track changes over time. Asking about allergies (B) is important but not directly related to pain assessment. Asking the patient to describe the pain (C) provides qualitative information but may not be as reliable or consistent as a numerical rating. Measuring pain intensity using a scale (D) is similar to the correct answer but does not involve the patient's subjective input, which is crucial in pain assessment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most important action for a client with respiratory distress because it helps improve oxygen levels in the blood and supports breathing. Oxygen therapy can prevent hypoxia and reduce respiratory workload. Corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and analgesics may be beneficial in specific situations, but they are not the primary intervention for respiratory distress. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, bronchodilators help open airways, and analgesics provide pain relief but do not directly address the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen should always be the first priority in managing respiratory distress.