how should a nurse assess a patient with a suspected infection
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

2. What are the key signs of infection after surgery?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After surgery, key signs of infection include redness, swelling, and fever. Redness and swelling can indicate inflammation at the surgical site, while fever is a systemic response to infection. Choosing 'All of the above' (Option D) is the correct answer because all three signs are commonly associated with post-surgical infections. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as each of them individually can be a sign of infection, but considering all three together provides a more comprehensive assessment for post-operative infection.

3. What is the priority in managing a client diagnosed with delirium?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority in managing a client diagnosed with delirium is to identify any underlying causes. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, or metabolic imbalances. By determining the root cause, healthcare providers can address the issue effectively and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. Administering anti-anxiety medication (Choice A) may help manage symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of delirium. Similarly, reducing environmental stimulation (Choice C) and encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice D) may provide some relief, but they do not target the primary concern of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of delirium.

4. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient undergoing dialysis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor fluid balance and administer heparin. For a patient undergoing dialysis, it is crucial to monitor fluid balance to prevent fluid overload or depletion. Administering heparin helps prevent clot formation during the dialysis process. Option B is incorrect as while monitoring blood pressure is essential, preventing clot formation is more directly related to heparin administration. Option C is incorrect because administering medications and monitoring blood chemistry are not the primary interventions for dialysis. Option D is incorrect as while dietary education and protein intake are important for overall health, they are not the key nursing interventions specifically for a patient undergoing dialysis.

5. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is collecting data from a school-age child whose injuries are inconsistent with the parent's stated cause. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases where a child's injuries are inconsistent with the parent's stated cause, it raises concerns about possible abuse. The correct action for the nurse in this situation is to report suspected abuse to the appropriate agency. This is a legal and ethical obligation for healthcare professionals when they suspect child abuse. Providing teaching to the parents (Choice A) may not address the immediate safety concerns of the child. Documenting the injuries and monitoring the child (Choice C) is important but reporting suspected abuse takes precedence to ensure the child's safety. Counseling the parents privately (Choice D) may not be effective if abuse is suspected, as the primary focus should be on protecting the child.

Similar Questions

A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously. The nurse discontinues the magnesium sulfate after the client displays toxicity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
What are the key interventions for managing a patient with asthma?
What is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure?
A client who experienced an acute myocardial infarction expresses concern about fatigue. What is the best strategy to promote self-care?
How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses