Author Question: The nurse is teaching a group of older adults at a community center about bacteremia. The nurse ... (Read 112 times)

Destiiny22 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is teaching a group of older adults at a community center about bacteremia. The nurse includes which of the following as a major risk of bacteremia for the older client?

1. Pneumococcal bacteria
2. Undiagnosed or inadequately treated infections
3. Leukocytosis on the complete blood count (CBC)
4. Elevated temperature

Question 2

The nurse working in the emergency department is assessing a client who has systemic infection. Which of the following groups of symptoms is the nurse most likely to find?

1. Edema, rubor, heat, and pain
2. Fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
3. Palpitations, irritability, and heat intolerance
4. Tingling, numbness, and cramping of the extremities

Tonyam972 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2. Undiagnosed or inadequately treated infections

Rationale:
Bacteremia occurs when pathogens are introduced into the blood circulation as a complication from pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or skin infections. The infection is spread throughout the body once it reaches the bloodstream. The most common organisms causing bacteremia are Escherichia coli, Proteus, and Klebsiella. The diagnosis is confirmed by blood culture, although one would expect to see leukocytosis if the client is able to mount an immune response. The temperature does not spike but is usually a low-grade fever. The client frequently presents with altered mental status.

Answer to Question 2

2. Fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting

Rationale:
Fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are the most common symptoms of a systemic infection. Edema, rubor, heat, and pain are symptoms of a local infection. Palpitations, irritability, and heat intolerance are symptoms of a thyroid condition. Tingling, numbness, and cramping of the extremities would indicate symptoms of hypocalcemia.