Author Question: The nurse is teaching a patient in whom a wound infection developed after surgery about antibiotic ... (Read 63 times)

s.tung · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is teaching a patient in whom a wound infection developed after surgery about antibiotic therapy. Which statement made by the patient indicates a correct understanding of the therapy?

a. If my temperature is normal for 3 days in a row, the infection is gone and I can stop taking the drug.
b. If my temperature goes above 100 for 2 days, I should double the dose of the drug.
c. Even if I feel completely well, I should take the drug exactly as prescribed until it is gone.
d. I should notify my prescriber to change the medication if I develop diarrhea while taking this drug.

Question 2

The nurse prepares to administer an intramuscular injection to a patient who is on anticoagulation therapy. Which techniques does the nurse perform to prevent excessive bleeding? (Select all that apply.)

a. Using the smallest possible injection needle
b. Injecting the drug slowly, over at least a 60-second period
c. Applying pressure to the site for at least 5 minutes after the injection
d. Ensuring that the needle is placed within a previous injection puncture site
e. Cleansing the skin at the injection site for at least 30 seconds before the injection
f. Applying warm compresses to the site for at least 15 minutes after the injection

pocatato · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Antibiotic therapy is most effective when the patient takes the prescribed drug for the entire course and not just when symptoms are present. Most antibiotic therapy results in some degree of diarrhea. Although additional drugs may be needed to control this side effect, it is usually not necessary to stop the drug.

Answer to Question 2

A, C
Using the smallest needle possible results in less tissue trauma and less risk for bleeding. Apply-ing pressure over the injection site for at least 5 minutes after administration compresses sur-rounding blood vessels and reduces the risk for bleeding. Injecting the drug slowly can increase the risk for bleeding by traumatizing tissues longer. Placing the needle in the same puncture site as a previous injection can increase the risk for bleeding by enlarging the hole and not allowing the previously damaged tissue to heal. Cleansing the skin can reduce infection risk but does nothing to reduce bleeding risk. Applying warm compresses is more likely to increase bleeding risk by dilating blood vessels in the area. Cold compresses or ice applied to the area would reduce bleeding risk.