The nurse is caring for a patient who has acute pharyngitis ...

[krzymel]

The nurse is caring for a patient who has acute pharyngitis caused by Candida albicans. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
 
  a. Avoid giving patient warm liquids to drink.
  b. Assess patient for allergies to penicillin antibiotics.
  c. Teach the patient about the need to sleep in a warm, dry environment.
  d. Teach patient to swish and swallow prescribed oral nystatin (Mycostatin).

Question 2

Which nursing action could the registered nurse (RN) working in a skilled care hospital unit delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) caring for a patient with a permanent tracheostomy?
 
  a. Assess the patient's risk for aspiration.
  b. Suction the tracheostomy when needed.
  c. Teach the patient about self-care of the tracheostomy.
  d. Determine the need for replacement of the tracheostomy tube.

[helenmarkerine]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Oral or pharyngeal fungal infections are treated with nystatin solution. The goal of the swish and swallow technique is to expose all of the oral mucosa to the antifungal agent. Warm liquids may be soothing to a sore throat. The patient should be taught to use a cool mist humidifier. There is no need to assess for penicillin/cephalosporin allergies because Candida albicans infection is treated with antifungals.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Suctioning of a stable patient can be delegated to LPNs/LVNs. Patient assessment and patient teaching should be done by the RN.

[krzymel]

Excellent

[T4T]

TYSM