A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old male client in the medical unit
History and Physical
The client is a 76-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. He presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of productive cough, fever, and shortness of breath. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history and lives alone. He denies recent travel or sick contacts.
Nurses’ Notes
Day 1, 1800: The client was admitted to the medical unit with suspected pneumonia. Crackles were auscultated bilaterally in the lower lung fields, and breath sounds were diminished. A saline infusion was initiated at 50 mL/hour. Vancomycin IV piggyback (IVPB) was started. Sputum and blood cultures were obtained and sent to the lab.
Diagnostic Results
Day 2: Sputum culture positive for pneumococcus. Chest x-ray showed focal consolidation in the bilateral lower lobes, suggestive of pneumonia.
Vital Signs
- Temperature: 38.5°C
- Heart Rate: 110 bpm
- Respiratory Rate: 24 breaths/min
- Blood Pressure: 150/90 mmHg
- Oxygen Saturation: 88% on room air
Physical Examination Results
On physical examination, the client appeared in moderate respiratory distress. He had crackles bilaterally in the lower lung fields and diminished breath sounds throughout. His skin was warm and diaphoretic. He was using accessory muscles to breathe and had a productive cough with greenish sputum.
Provider’s Prescriptions
- Continue saline infusion at 50 mL/hour
- Discontinue vancomycin
- Start ceftriaxone 1g IV every 24 hours
- Albuterol treatments by nebulizer every 4 to 6 hours
- Increase oral fluids
- Obtain arterial blood gas (ABG)
Imaging Studies
Chest x-ray showed focal consolidation in the bilateral lower lobes, suggestive of pneumonia.
Question: Which of the following does the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider to prescribe during morning rounds? Select 4 findings.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest
Albuterol treatments by nebulizer every 4 to 6 hours
Chest x-ray
Increase oral fluids
Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest is not typically required for routine pneumonia cases unless there are complications or the pneumonia is not responding to standard treatment. CT scans provide more detailed images but are usually reserved for more complex cases.
Choice B rationale:
Albuterol treatments by nebulizer every 4 to 6 hours are appropriate for managing wheezing and bronchospasm associated with pneumonia, especially in a patient with a history of COPD. Albuterol helps open the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe.
Choice C rationale:
A chest x-ray is a standard diagnostic tool for pneumonia. It helps assess the extent of lung involvement and monitor the progression or resolution of the infection. Repeating the chest x-ray can help evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing oral fluids is essential for patients with pneumonia to help thin mucus, making it easier to expectorate. Adequate hydration also supports overall health and recovery.
Choice E rationale:
Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is important for assessing the patient’s oxygenation and acid-base status. This information is crucial for managing respiratory distress and ensuring adequate oxygen delivery.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Storing the medication at room temperature is appropriate for ipratropium inhalers. This ensures the medication remains effective and safe for use.
Choice B rationale
Attaching a spacer device to the inhaler is recommended for patients using ipratropium inhalers. A spacer helps deliver the medication more effectively to the lungs and reduces the risk of side effects.
Choice C rationale
Rinsing the mouth after each use of the inhaler is a good practice to prevent oral thrush and other side effects. It is a recommended step in the proper use of inhalers.
Choice D rationale
Priming the inhaler with 7 pumps is excessive. Typically, inhalers need to be primed with 2-4 pumps before first use or if they haven’t been used for a while. Over-priming can waste medication and indicate a need for additional teaching.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Advising the client that it is too late to receive an influenza vaccination once symptoms occur is correct, but it does not address the client’s question about oseltamivir.
Choice B rationale
Explaining that antibiotics are not useful in treating viral infections is correct, but it does not address the client’s question about oseltamivir.
Choice C rationale
Referring the client to the healthcare provider to obtain a medication prescription is the most appropriate response. Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that can be effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the client that over-the-counter medications are sufficient to manage influenza symptoms is not appropriate, as oseltamivir can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness if taken early.