The nurse is caring for a client who develops a fever and ...

[rayancarla1]

The nurse is caring for a client who develops a fever and productive cough after having an appendectomy. Which prescriptions should the nurse expect from the healthcare provider for this health problem?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Sputum cultures
  B) Antibiotics
  C) Chest physiotherapy
  D) Bronchial washing for culture
  E) Isolation precautions

Question 2

The nurse is providing care to a client with pneumonia is has a fever. Which interventions should the nurse use to attain the goal of normal body temperature?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Increase the temperature of the room environment to prevent shivering.
  B) Administer antipyretic medications.
  C) Restrict fluids during periods of hyperthermia because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance.
  D) Use ice packs and a tepid bath every 2 hours.
  E) Promote frequent rest periods to increase energy reserve.

[JYan]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A, B, C

The nurse would expect to obtain sputum cultures, administer antibiotics, and perform chest physiotherapy to help clear the respiratory secretions. Bronchial washings are not routine testing for this scenario. The client likely has an infectious disease and is not contagious. Isolation precautions are usually not ordered for noncontagious infections.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B, E

Hyperthermia is an expected consequence of the infectious disease process. Fever can produce mild, short-term effects and, when prolonged, can cause life-threatening effects. The nurse should administer antipyretic medications as indicated for elevated temperatures and enforce frequent rest periods because rest increases energy reserve that is depleted by increased metabolic, heart, and respiratory rates. The nurse should use ice packs, cool/tepid baths, or a hypothermia blanket with caution and only as needed. The nurse should encourage fluid intake rather than restrict fluids because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance.