A nurse is assessing a client with a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) and a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm³. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?
Bacterial infection.
Viral infection.
Fungal infection.
Parasitic infection.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Bacterial infection often leads to an elevated white blood cell count (15,000/mm³) and fever (38.5°C). The body’s immune response to bacterial pathogens results in these clinical manifestations.
Choice B rationale
Viral infections can cause fever, but they typically do not lead to a significant increase in white blood cell count.
Choice C rationale
Fungal infections can cause fever and elevated white blood cell count, but they are less common and usually occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Choice D rationale
Parasitic infections can cause fever and elevated white blood cell count, but they are less common and usually present with other specific symptoms.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by various conditions, including gastrointestinal issues and brain injuries, but they are not specifically indicative of a diffuse brain stem injury.
Choice B rationale
Nuchal rigidity, or neck stiffness, is a classic sign of meningeal irritation, often due to meningeal edema in conditions like meningitis.
Choice C rationale
Bilateral fixed and dilated pupils are more commonly associated with severe brain injury or increased intracranial pressure, not specifically a cerebellar brain attack.
Choice D rationale
Brudzinski’s sign is a physical exam finding indicative of meningeal irritation, commonly seen in bacterial meningitis, not specifically viral meningitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps to lower potassium levels by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to work and does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias caused by hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the client’s cardiac rhythm is the first intervention because hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of these arrhythmias, which is crucial for the client’s safety.
Choice C rationale
Restricting dietary potassium intake is an important long-term management strategy for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias and is not the first intervention.
Choice D rationale
Preparing the client for hemodialysis is a definitive treatment for hyperkalemia, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease. However, it is not the first intervention because it takes time to arrange and initiate dialysis. Immediate cardiac monitoring is necessary to manage the acute risk of arrhythmias.