A patient with viral pharyngitis is being discharged from the clinic. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge?
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Take antibiotics as prescribed until the course is complete
Avoid all forms of physical activity until fully recovered
Use throat lozenges as needed but avoid resting to prevent throat swelling
The Correct Answer is A
A. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is essential in managing viral pharyngitis to prevent dehydration, soothe the throat, and promote recovery.
B. Take antibiotics as prescribed until the course is complete. Antibiotics are not indicated for viral infections; they are only used for bacterial infections.
C. Avoid all forms of physical activity until fully recovered. While rest is recommended, light activities may be acceptable depending on the patient’s energy levels and symptoms. Total avoidance of all physical activity is unnecessary.
D. Use throat lozenges as needed but avoid resting to prevent throat swelling. Resting is beneficial to recovery. Throat lozenges may soothe irritation, but avoiding rest would be counterproductive.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administering mannitol intravenously: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps reduce ICP by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and decreasing cerebral edema, making it a priority intervention.
B. Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate: Controlled hyperventilation may reduce ICP temporarily by lowering CO₂ levels and causing cerebral vasoconstriction. However, it should only be done cautiously under close monitoring, and other ICP management techniques like mannitol administration take priority.
C. Administering a high-dose corticosteroid: Corticosteroids are generally ineffective for reducing ICP in traumatic brain injury and are typically not recommended in this scenario.
D. Performing a lumbar puncture immediately: Lumbar puncture is contraindicated in cases of increased ICP because it may lead to brain herniation due to the sudden release of pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). PFTs assess lung function but do not provide diagnostic information for infections like pneumonia.
B. Electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG assesses heart function and would not help in diagnosing a respiratory infection like pneumonia.
C. Complete Blood Count (CBC). A CBC may indicate infection through elevated white blood cells, but it does not confirm pneumonia or identify its location in the lungs.
D. Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray is the most useful diagnostic tool to confirm pneumonia. It can reveal infiltrates or consolidation in the lungs, which are characteristic of pneumonia.