Author Question: The nurse is caring for a client who develops pneumonia after having an appendectomy. The nurse ... (Read 71 times)

silviawilliams41 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is caring for a client who develops pneumonia after having an appendectomy. The nurse anticipates that the physician will write orders for which of the following?

1. Respiratory and contact isolation
2. Sputum cultures and antibiotics
3. Reverse isolation for the client
4. Bronchial washing for culture

Question 2

A client develops hyperthermia related to a diagnosis of pneumonia. Which of the following nursing interventions would the nurse plan to use to attain the goal of normal temperature? (Select all that apply.)

1. Increase the temperature of the room environment to prevent shivering
2. Use ice packs and a tepid bath as needed
3. Administer antipyretic medications per physician's orders
4. Promote frequent rest periods to increase energy reserve
5. Restrict fluids during periods of hyperthermia because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance

Kedrick2014 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2. Sputum cultures and antibiotics

Rationale:
The client likely has an infectious disease and is not contagious. The nurse would expect to obtain sputum cultures and administer antibiotics. Isolation of either type is usually not ordered for noncontagious infections. Bronchial washings are not routine testing for pneumonia.

Answer to Question 2

2. Use ice packs and a tepid bath as needed
3. Administer antipyretic medications per physician's orders
4. Promote frequent rest periods to increase energy reserve

Rationale:
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. The nurse should encourage rather than restrict fluids because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance.